Photos: Earth >> Africa >> Ethiopia >> South >> Southern >> Omo

Register

  << Previous Next >>

WORKING HARD


WORKING HARD
Photo Information
Copyright: Radu Xplorator (Xplorator) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 724 W: 58 N: 1540] (7612)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-05
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon CP 8800
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): BEST OF: Foxes, Maned wolves, & Jackals 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-06-17 4:31
Viewed: 2134
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Just kidding, working hard, thats myself, not this little dude...
Fennec
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Fennec

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: V. zerda

Binomial name
Vulpes zerda
(Zimmermann, 1780)
The Fennec is a small fox found in the desert of Northern Africa (excluding the coast) which have distinctive oversized ears. Although some authorities classify this as the only species of the genus Fennecus*, it is shown here in the genus Vulpes.
Description
The Fennec is the smallest canid, only weighing up to 1.5 kg. The fox is 20 cm tall at the shoulder, with a body length of up to 40 cm. The tail is an additional 25 cm or so, and the ears can be 15 cm long. The animals are often a sandy color to blend in with their desert surroundings.

The large ears serve to help dissipate heat. The coat can repel sunlight during the day and conserve heat at night. The soles of the feet are protected from the hot sand by thick fur.

Habits
The Fennec is nocturnal. During the night, it will hunt for rodents, insects (such as locusts), lizards, and birds and eggs. The Fennec gets most of its water from food, but will sometimes eat berries and leaves as an additional source of water.

Fennecs live in large dens (extending up to 10 meters), often with several foxes.

Reproduction
In the spring, after about 50 days of gestation, a female fennec will give birth to a litter of 2-5 young. The young will rely on their mother's milk for about a month.

Population
The fennec is rare and is not often seen. It is often hunted by humans, even though the fox does not cause any harm to human interests.

Domestication
The fennec is the only variety of fox which can properly be kept as a pet. Although they cannot be considered completely domesticated, they can be kept in a similar manner to dogs, although care must be taken to ensure that they do not escape; since they are adept diggers, outdoor pens and fences must be extended many feet below ground. Escaped fennec foxes are extremely difficult to recapture.

Pet fennecs are usually very friendly towards strangers and other household pets. However, they are extremely active, and need outlets for their energy; they may exhaust other household pets with their excessive playfulness.

It may be illegal to own a fennec in many areas. Check with local animal control authorities before considering having a fennec as a pet. Also ensure that a local veterinarian will be able to provide vaccinations and any necessary medical care. Furthermore, consider that fennecs are not often able to be housebroken.

* The name "fennec" apparently comes from the Arabic word for fox. "Zerda" may come from Greek and mean "dry", a reference to its habitat.
TAZ, Janice, slrnovice2, Paulosousa, liquidsunshine, PDP has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Lol... no please not the film strip borders!!!

:-)

Good photo though, colour and detail are good, it would be amazing if the fox was awake and looking at you!

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3452 W: 144 N: 5895] (17468)
  • [2005-06-17 5:42]

"What big ears you've got..." Such a cute photo Radu with these big ears over his timy face. Good action shot of this sleepyhead. well done.

Great composition here Radu, I like it very much. He looks totally worn out *grin*. Lovely exposure and colour. I think it's very atmospheric. TFS :)

Fantastic shot and unique framing. thanks, Ori

Great composition especially the position of the leading ear

Great capture Radu,
Excellent detail, colours, sharpness and exposure.
Thanks for posting, Have a good weekend.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2964 W: 366 N: 3848] (11755)
  • [2005-06-17 18:43]

Great shot Radu, it's a very good pose. I can't believe the size of those ears. Very nice all round but I'm nit keen on the frame if I am honest.

Very good shot, Radu.
I like the pose. Good details, nice colours and POV.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2385 W: 50 N: 3184] (10918)
  • [2005-06-18 3:46]

Superbe Fennec bien mis en valeur dans cette composition à la présentation originale.
Beautiful fennec in an unusual frame, well done and good idea Radu !

  • Great 
  • Ina Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 118 W: 6 N: 102] (759)
  • [2005-06-18 5:41]

Lovely pose and composition... I like those big ears and the cute look of this sleeping beauty... Frame is interesting but too dominating in my apinion... TFS...Ina...

Excellent picture! Extraordinary sharpness.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF