File:Cape fox standing on hill - DPLA - 306257e0182269867668f014420778a1.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Canidae; Genus: Vulpes; Genus species: Vulpes chama. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 45-61 cm; Weight: 3.6-4.5 kg; Identification: The coat of the cape fox is rufous-agouti with a silver-gray back, a black tail tip, and a dark facial mask; Habitat: Steppes, rocky deserts; Diet: Omnivore: rodents, birds, insects, fruit; Reproduction: Cape foxes are monogamous and mate once a year. After a gestation period of about two months, the female gives birth to 1-6 young in an underground burrow or rock crevice; Social Structure: The social structure of the cape fox varies. Some remain solitary while others form small groups consisting of one male and several females (possibly related); Behavior: A common hunting tactic is the 'mouse leap' - the fox jumps straight up off of the ground and dives front feet first onto the prey; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Human persecution has been responsible for numerical declines in the cape fox population, though studies have shown that this species is not a harmful predator.