The Cape fox is the smallest canid found in South Africa and ventures out at night when it is cooler to feed. They are omnivorous and opportunistic hunters, feeding mainly on small mammals, reptiles, and insects, but will also indulge in fruit, birds, and carrion. Usually Cape foxes are hunted at night and form part of a larger game hunting package.
The Cape Fox (Vulpes chama), also known as the silver-backed fox, is the only true fox with its natural habitat in South Africa and is found in the grassy plains, savannahs, and semi-arid plains of southern Africa. The Cape Fox has established itself throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. They are found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa, as well as Lesotho. It likes open countryside, with vegetation including scattered scrubs and thickets.
The Cape Fox is nocturnal and is most active at dusk and just before dawn. It spends the hot days hiding underground in burrows or holes, keeping safe and cool. The Cape fox digs its burrows but also uses other animals’ burrows, such as springhares.
Although Cape foxes do mate for life, it is a solitary animal that will spend most of their time without their partners. They forage and hunt separately and spend much of their time alone. Cape Foxes communicate using many whines, chirps, and calls, while a surprise will merit a louder yelp or bark. Cape foxes are generally not aggressive, but when provoked they will spit and growl at their attacker.
Cape foxes breed throughout the year, with 3-6 cubs born between October to January, after a gestation period between 51-53 days. For the first two weeks after birth, the male will be responsible for female’s food requirements as she cares for their young. Both parents are hands-on when it comes to feeding, protecting, and rearing their offspring.
Predators known for hunting the Cape fox in Africa include leopards, hyenas, lions, caracals, hawks, and owls. Humans are their biggest threat as they are regarded as pests and often caught in traps for other animals.
