Long-Eared Fox

(Otocyon megalotis), a predatory mammal of the family Canidae. The long-eared fox resembles the common fox but is smaller and has disproportionately large ears. It measures as much as 60 cm in length and approximately 35 cm in height. It has a short pointed muzzle and a tail approximately 30 cm long. The coloration is yellowish brown; the tips of the paws are black. Unlike other predatory mammals, the long-eared fox has a full set of teeth.

The long-eared fox is distributed in southern and eastern Africa, inhabiting arid plains and semideserts; sometimes it is encountered near human habitation. A nocturnal animal, it feeds primarily on termites and other insects; the diet also includes small rodents, carrion, birds and bird eggs, and fruit. In some areas the long-eared fox has been practically exterminated.