Today we check out this striking mammal spotted at
Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
The following is an excerpt from Samara's latest newsletter...
-
Although they are mainly nocturnal, we have been seeing Bat-Eared Foxes (Otocyon megalotis) during the day and in the evening. It is the only canid to have largely abandoned mammalian prey in favour of insects.
-
Characterized by large dish like ears and grey-black markings, the bat-eared Fox lives mainly in the open grasslands and grassy deserts of Southern and Central Africa.
-
From nose to tail, these endearing creatures measure 80-95cm and weigh in at 3-4.5kgs.
-
Their diet consists mainly of Insects, particularly termites and grasshoppers but a small percentage of their diet includes lizards, small birds, eggs, small mammals and fruit.
-
After a gestation period of two months, the female gives birth to 1-5 cubs. They live in pairs and both partners rear the cubs.
Stay at Samara Private Game Reserve
