bat-eared fox

Small African fox Otocyon megalotis, with huge ears, sandy or greyish coat, black legs, and black-tipped bushy tail. They measure about 80 cm/31.5 in in length, including tail, and are 30 cm/12 in at the shoulder; weight 3-5 kg/6.5-11 lb. Bat-eared foxes feed on insects, particularly termites. There are East African and South African subspecies.

Litters of two to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 60 days. Both parents help to raise the young, sometimes aided by a cub from the previous year, but cub mortality is high as they are vulnerable to predators and disease. Cubs are fully grown at four months.