Cape fox

Introduction: The Cape fox (Vulpes chama) is a predominately solitary, nocturnal creature with peaks of activity just after dusk and before dawn. This makes them extremely difficult to observe. They are asocial and adults do avoid contact until the mating season. The Cape in the name has been retained to distinguish it from other species found in the Sahara, even though it is not confined in its distribution to the Western Cape. They prefer open grassland and countryside, with associated scattered thickets or semi-desert scrub for shade and protection. As accomplished diggers, they create their own shelters.

Distribution: The Cape fox can be found in most of Namibia except for the Namib Desert and most of the north-east of the country.

Diet: The Cape fox is partial to small rodents, insects, small reptiles and wild fruits.

Colouring: Silver-grey coats with with sparsely scattered, slightly longer black tactile hairs, with a black bushy tail. The head is reddish with some white hairs on the face.

Breeding: Little is known about reproduction nor what time of year young are born nor where females litter down. Litters vary in size from between one and four, with a gestation period of around 50 days.

Size: Adult Cape foxes stand about 35cm at the shoulder and have a total length (including the tail) of about 90cm.

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