bat-eared fox

Species (Otocyon megalotis) of large-eared fox found in open, arid areas of eastern and southern Africa.

It has 48 teeth (six more than any other canine) and, except for its unusually large ears, looks like the red fox. It grows to a length of about 32 in. (80 cm), including a 12-in. (30-cm) tail, and weighs 7–10 lbs (3–4.5 kg). It lives alone or in small groups and feeds primarily on insects, especially termites.

Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis)

Mark Boulton from The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers

EB Inc.

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▪ mammal

also called  Cape Fox, Big-eared Fox, or Motlosi 

 (species Otocyon megalotis), large-eared fox, belonging to the dog family (Canidae), found in open, arid areas of eastern and southern Africa. It has 48 teeth, 6 more than any other canid. The bat-eared fox is like the red fox in appearance but has unusually large ears. It is yellowish gray with black face and legs and black-tipped ears and tail. It grows to a length of about 80 cm (32 inches), including a 30-centimetre (12-inch) tail, and weighs from 3 to 4.5 kg (6.6–10 pounds). It lives alone or in small groups and feeds primarily on insects, especially termites. Litters contain two to five young; gestation lasts 60 to 70 days.

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