The structure of its body, the African fox resembles a red fox , but it has smaller sizes, longer legs and longer ears. The length of her body is 38-45 cm, the length of the tail is 28-29 cm. The height at the shoulders is 25 cm. The body weight is 1.5-3.6 kg. [2] Color light reddish-brownish, tail reddish-brownish with a black end. Paws and back are red. In the middle of the back is a dark stripe. The underside of the body, the muzzle and the inside of the ears are white. [2] African foxes have a fluffy tail; in adults, the eyes are surrounded by a dark expressive rim. [2]
African foxes are very poorly studied animals. It is believed that they live in small family groups consisting of adult males, females and young animals. [3] African foxes dig extensive burrows, up to 15 meters long and 2-3 meters deep. These holes help foxes escape the heat of the day, and when dusk sets in they go out in search of food.
African foxes inhabit dry sandy or rocky deserts, often penetrates south into the Guinean savannah. Sometimes foxes can also settle near human housing, where there is more abundant and affordable food. [four]
Unlike other foxes, the African fox is the most herbivorous among its relatives. Her diet contains mainly grass, berries and fruits. But sometimes it can catch and eat small animals such as rodents, lizards and invertebrates. [3] Foxes get enough moisture from their food to survive the long, hot, dry season in their desert habitat.
Pregnancy in African foxes lasts 7-8 weeks. In the litter there are 3-4 puppies weighing 50-100 g. [4] Puppies grow very quickly and leave their parents for 6-8 weeks of life. [3]
The natural enemies of the African fox are unknown. A fox is harassed by humans in places where it sometimes attacks poultry. [four]
African foxes in captivity live 3 years, but there is reason to believe that in nature they are able to live twice as much. [3]
