Kit fox [LC]

Vulpes macrotis [Scientific name]
Zorrita del desierto [Spanish]
Zorra norteña [Spanish]
Zorro kit [Spanish]

The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is a fox species that inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. They are the smallest of the true foxes in North America, though they have disproportionately large ears to assist with thermoregulation. This species is a generalist omnivore, with a diet ranging from insects, rodents and hare to cactus fruit and fish. This fox is also highly polytypic, with six recognised subspecies, including the highly endangered San Joaquin kit fox (V. macrotis mutica).

1.9 (1.6–2.2) kg • 50.1 (45.5–53.5) cm head+body length
2.3 (1.7–2.7) kg • 53.7 (48.5–52.0) cm head+body length

POPULATION TREND

DECREASING

HABITAT & ECOLOGY

Desert • Grassland • Human modified • Savanna • Shrubland

More information on the IUCN Red List