What is the world’s smallest fox species?

The fennec fox is the world’s smallest fox species. Adults typically weigh about 0.7–1.6 kilograms, making this desert canid much smaller than the familiar red fox.

Fennec foxes are adapted to arid environments across the Sahara and parts of North Africa. Their thick, pale fur helps reflect heat during the day and retain warmth at night, while furry footpads protect them from hot ground.

The species is also famous for its enormous ears, which improve hearing and help dissipate body heat. Fennecs are omnivorous and eat insects, small vertebrates, eggs, roots and fruit, allowing them to survive where water is scarce.

They are sometimes confused with kit foxes, another small desert fox. Kit foxes are generally larger and occur in North America, whereas fennecs are native to Africa and are closely associated with Saharan landscapes.