Smallest fox

The smallest species of fox is the fennec or desert fox Vulpes zerda (sometimes housed in its own genus, Fennecus), which is native to the Sahara Desert in North Africa, especially Algeria and Tunisia. Its body length is no more than 40 cm, and it has a thick bushy tail of around 20 cm. It is a nocturnal species, whose very pale coat helps to deflect heat during the day when it is at rest.

The fennec (its name is Arabic for "fox") is most famous for its disproportionately large ears, each of which measure up to 15 cm in length. Their function is to dissipate heat, which they are able to accomplish effectively owing to the abundance of small blood vessels near to the skin. They are also extremely sensitive aurally – so much so that the fox can actually hear prey moving underground.