|
Book your LIONSROCK accommodation here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bat eared fox
|
Scientific name:
|
Otocycom Megalotis
|
|
|
|
Afrikaans name
BAKOORVOS also known at his colloquial name DRAAIJAKKAL, which means Turning Jackal – a reference to its jackal-like appearance, and its ability to turn rapidly even when running at high speed.
Description
The Bat eared fox is a small jackal-like carnivore. It is around 80 cm in length and the height to the shoulder is around 30-40 cm. The Bat eared fox typically weighs 3-5 kg. It has large prominent ears, up to 14 cm long, and it is these prominent ears that resemble those of a bat that give the animal its name.
Habitat
Open woodland, grassy plains, arid and semi-arid areas.
Distribution
Widespread in southern and east Africa. Apart from localized persecution by farmers, it is still common.
Diet
They have tiny teeth restricting their diet to mainly insects, particularly termites and grasshoppers, but also will eat small reptiles, birds, eggs, small mammals and fruits.
Behavior
The bat eared fox is mainly nocturnal, lying up during the day in burrows. When active during day, they tend to avoid activity in the hottest part of the day. They live in small groups from two to six animals. When foraging, the bat eared foxes excellent hearing enables it to locate prey even underground. They are good diggers and often dig prey out of holes.
Reproduction
Bat eared foxes mate for the long term - often for life, and breed annually. A litter of two to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 60 days. Males guard the den where young are hidden. Young are weaned at about ten weeks. Sexual maturity and reproductive activity commence in the second year of life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank account name:
LIONSROCK PARK
Bank and Code:
First National Bank - South Africa FNB-230133
Account No: 62165825583
|
|
|
|
|
|
