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Together at the table
"Bat-eared foxes mainly eat insects such as termites and dung beetles. With their large ears, they can hear prey even underground. As a termites and dung beetles live near large grazers, the bat-eared foxes often look for food in those areas too."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
dry grasslands and savannahs
Food:
insects, eggs, birds and reptiles
Lifespan:
6 to 14 years
Weight:
3 to 5 kg
Number of young:
2 to 6 young
Gestation period:
60 days
To be seen:
along the walking safari route at Bia Bridi
IUCN status:
Least Concern
EEP:
yes
About the bat-eared fox
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) lives in dry grasslands and savannahs and, thanks to its enormous ears, is a true insect specialist. An adult bat-eared fox weighs 3 to 5 kilograms, lives for 6 to 14 years and lives in family burrows that it digs itself. In East Africa, it is mainly active at night, whereas in the south it forages during the day in winter. After a gestation period of 60 days, 2 to 6 young are born.
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Habitat and threats
The bat-eared fox inhabits dry grasslands and savannahs, where open plains and low vegetation help it to spot insects, its main food source. The species thrives in these areas and the population currently remains stable, meaning the bat-eared fox is not considered to be threatened.
However, changes to the landscape, such as the expansion of agriculture and more intensive use of grasslands by livestock, could put pressure on its habitat in the long term. Prolonged periods of drought can also lead to a reduction in the number of insects available. Although the species is currently safe, the conservation of these open, dry ecosystems remains important to prevent future problems.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the status of the bat-eared fox is safe. But, unfortunately, many of the species you see at Beekse Bergen are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how?