Aspects of the ecology and behaviour of the bat-eared fox, Otocyon megalotis (Desmarest, 1822), in the upper Limpopo river valley

Abstract

Bat-eared foxes were studied at two different areas in the upper Limpopo valley. Their habitat preferences, denning and feeding behaviour were investigated. Captive foxes were examined to determine growth curves and changes in dentition and pelage. Population densities and activity cycles were determined. Bat-eared fox populations were found to be limited by a number of abiotic and biotic factors and fluctuated in response to these factors.