# Bat-eared Fox (*Otocyon megalotis*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** East and southern African grasslands and arid savanna.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bat-eared-fox/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Canidae
- **Genus:** Otocyon

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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) |

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bat-eared-fox/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.