The Smallest Canine
Photo by Umberto Salvagnin
The Smallest Canine: Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda)
Fennec foxes are the world's smallest species of canine. These nocturnal carnivores live in the deserts of Northern Africa and Asia. Due to their small size and social nature, fennec foxes are often kept as pets. Their involvement in the pet trade is one of their greatest threats, along with fragmentation in their habitat, resulting in inbreeding within the population. Despite these elements affecting the welfare of the species, under the IUCN Red List they are listed under Least Concern.