Fennec foxes are nocturnal, which means they come out at night when the Sahara cools down. During the day, they shelter in burrows dug deep into the sand, where the temperature stays comfortable even when the surface is blazing hot. Their thick, sandy-coloured fur keeps them warm at night and also camouflages them perfectly against the desert floor.
A fennec's large ears can detect the movements of insects and small lizards beneath the sand. When it hears something moving underground, it digs rapidly with its front paws to uncover its meal. It can also hear danger approaching from a great distance, giving it time to dart back to its burrow.
Fennec foxes live in family groups and communicate with each other through a wide range of sounds - barks, purrs, squeaks and howls. In the Sahara, they are one of the most widespread small predators and play an important role in keeping insect and rodent populations balanced. They have also become one of the best-loved animals in Niger, appearing in local art and storytelling.