---

Web site created by Jon Hill, Web Site: www.safarishots.com
Photography by Mike Carlson, Todd Thille, and Jon Hill
Text written primarily by Jane Fox
Fox logo* created by Sue Stolberger

* The Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis) is found in acacia woodlands and plains from the Red Sea to Tanzania and in arid regions of southern Africa. It is found in conjunction with harvester termites, one of the fox's primary foods. Among its other foods are beetles, lizards, rodents, and scorpions. The fox is able to detect larval dung beetles up to 30 cm (1 ft) underground with its extremely large ears. It then quickly digs these from even hard soil. The larvae are an important part of the fox's diet in the dry season. A highly social animal, the Bat-eared Fox is usually seen in pairs or family groups. The family ties are strong, uniting the members in a range of activities including grooming, playing, sleeping, foraging, and defense against enemies. (Source: The Safari Companion, Revised Edition (1999), by Richard D. Estes, Chelsea Green Publishing Company)

Return to main page