Bat-Eared Fox

Description: This small jackal-like carnivore has slender legs, a sharp-pointed, fairly long muzzle and disproportionately large ears. The ears may reach a length of 14cm and are dark at the back, particularly at the tip; the insides of the ears are white or light in colour. The body is covered in fairly long, silvery-grey hair with a distinctly grizzled appearance and the legs are black. The tail is bushy and black above and at the tip. Although the front of the face is generally black, a light or black band runs across the forehead to the base of the ears.

Habitat: Open country, such as short scrub and grassveld and sparsely wooded areas. Absent from mountains dense woodland and forest. Bat-eared fox is widely distributed throughout Botswana.

Behaviour: Both diurnal and nocturnal activity is recorded but it rests during the hotter hours of the day. It is an active digger but although it will excavate its owns burrows, it frequently modifies those dug by other species. It is normally seen in-groups of 2-6 individuals. As pairs mate for life, the composition of groups usually consist of a pair and their offspring. Occasionally more may be seen but such groupings are temporary, perhaps associated with an abundant, localized food source. When foraging it appears to wander aimlessly, stopping periodically with ears turned to the ground; when food is located it digs shallow holes with the forepaws.

Food: Four to 6 pups born in burrow September - November; gestation 60 days. At birth pale grey and eyes closed.

Reproduction: The young are born in holes in the ground excavated by the parents. Usually the female raise two to four young.

-top of page -

Foreword - About Botswana - About Us - Travel Information - Accommodation - Travel Agents and Tour Operators - Attractions - Flora and Fauna - Grading - Maps - Photo Gallery - Embassies and Consulates - Tourism Representatives Abroad - News and Events - Useful Books and Readings - Useful Contacts - Links - Contact Us - Website Map