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Quick answer
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is an insectivorous fox of East and southern African grasslands, equipped with enormous ears that detect termite and beetle sounds underground. Adults weigh about 4 kg, often live in pairs or small family groups, and are listed Least Concern.
Top questions about the Bat-eared Fox
Bat-eared Fox facts at a glance
- Weight 4 kg
- Length 75 cm
- Top speed 50 km/h
- Lifespan 10 years
| Scientific name | Otocyon megalotis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insectivore (termite specialists) |
| Habitat | Short-grass plains and arid scrub |
| Lifespan | Around 10 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 4 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 50 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Canidae |
| Genus | Otocyon |
Where it lives
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is native to East and southern African grasslands and arid savanna. — recorded across Africa in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a bat-eared fox?
An adult bat-eared fox measures 75 cm long — about 43% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 4.0 kg, about 6% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of bat-eared foxes called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Bat-eared Foxes is called a skulk.
Baby name
A baby Bat-eared Fox is called a pup.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Radar dishes for insects
Ears can exceed 10 cm and provide acute hearing plus heat radiation. Dentition includes extra molars for crunching insects — more teeth than most canids.
Harvester termites and beetles
Diet is dominated by harvester termites and dung beetles, located by sound and dug with rapid forepaw strokes. Fruit is occasional; they rarely take vertebrate prey.
East and southern arid savanna
Short-grass plains and arid scrub of East and southern Africa where termites thrive. Across its range it is tied to short-grass plains and arid scrub, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Grass height matters
Least Concern, but tall, bushy encroachment and poisoned insects can reduce foraging efficiency. They often den near aardvark holes. Across its range it is tied to short-grass plains and arid scrub, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Explore the Bat-eared Fox
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Bat-eared Fox
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Bat-eared Fox
Why are bat-eared foxes' ears so large?
To hear insects underground and to dump heat in hot climates.
Do bat-eared foxes hunt rodents like other foxes?
Rarely — they are insect specialists, unlike red foxes.
How many teeth do bat-eared foxes have?
Up to 46–50 teeth, more than typical canids, suited to chewing insects.
Are bat-eared foxes social?
Often in pairs or small family groups sharing dens (Otocyon megalotis; diet: Insectivore (termite specialists)).
Where do bat-eared foxes live?
Grasslands and arid savanna of East and southern Africa. Native range summary: East and southern African grasslands and arid savanna.
What is a group of bat-eared foxes called?
A group of Bat-eared Foxes is called a skulk.
What is a baby bat-eared fox called?
A baby Bat-eared Fox is called a pup.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Bat-eared Fox:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Otocyon megalotis.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Otocyon megalotis. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Otocyon megalotis. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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