Bat-eared Fox
Otocyon megalotis
Fox with large ears eating insects and small animals in African savannas.
| Scientific name | Otocyon megalotis |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mbweha |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Canidae |
| Size | Males: 5-8 kg; Females: 4.5-7.5 kg |
How to identify
Extremely large and prominent ears; distinctive black facial markings; small body size with grayish-brown fur tinged with yellow; teeth adapted for insectivory, especially termites; bushy and relatively short tail
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, open grasslands, shrublands
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, especially termites and beetles; also preys on small vertebrates and consumes fruits; omnivorous with an insectivorous bias
When it is active
Nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana; commonly found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara region
How to spot it
Search at dusk or night in open grasslands and open woodland savanna; watch for large ears and activity sounds; use of infrared night vision equipment is recommended
Photography tips
Photograph in low light conditions, use telephoto lens to capture ears and facial features; infrared lighting helpful at night; remain quiet to avoid disturbance
Threats
Habitat destruction, road traffic accidents, occasional hunting
Similar species
Common fox (distinguished from bat-eared fox by its extremely large ears and unique facial markings); African jackal (larger body, smaller ears)
