What is a "Cape fox"?

The Cape fox, scientifically known as Vulpes chama, is a small fox species native to southern Africa. It has a distinctive appearance with a reddish-brown to grayish-brown coat and a long bushy tail. The Cape fox has a slender body with short legs and a pointed snout, giving it a fox-like appearance. Its ears are large and upright, helping it to detect sounds and regulate its body temperature. The Cape fox is primarily a nocturnal animal, known for its keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which it uses to locate prey, including small mammals, insects, and birds. It is also known to scavenge and has been observed eating fruits and plants when food is scarce. The Cape fox is a solitary animal and typically makes its den in burrows, often reusing the burrows of other animals. It is well adapted to its arid and semi-arid habitats and can survive in a wide range of environments, including deserts, savannas, and shrublands. The Cape fox plays an important role in its ecosystem as a predator, helping to control populations of small mammals and contributing to the balance of its habitats in southern Africa.