I Crossed the Sahara Desert to Find the World's Smallest Wild Fox

In the vast, golden expanse of the Sahara Desert, one of the world’s most elusive and enchanting animals’ roams, the fennec fox.

At just 24 to 41 centimetres long, this tiny desert dweller is the smallest member of the canid family. Its oversized ears and sand-coloured coat aren’t just adorable; they are brilliant adaptations that help the fox survive the Sahara’s harsh extremes. Those enormous ears play a vital role in thermoregulation, allowing the fennec to dissipate heat and stay cool in temperatures that often soar above 50°C.

My husband and I set out on an ambitious journey deep into Morocco’s Sahara Desert, driven by a shared passion: to capture intimate, up-close footage of the fennec fox in its natural home. Supported by Nikon Europe, we were equipped with a range of kit including two camera bodies, the Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8, and a range of lenses from the 400mm lens featuring an in-built teleconverter and the 24-135mm video lens - a combination that proved invaluable for documenting these shy creatures from a respectful distance without disturbing them.

Our adventure was about more than just the fennec fox. On the journey to the desert, we traversed forested areas where we encountered troops of Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey’s native to North Africa. Their lively antics and curious eyes offered a captivating contrast to the stark desert landscape that awaited us.

Back in the desert, another unforgettable encounter was with the elusive horned viper, a master of camouflage with its distinctive “horns” above its eyes and perfectly patterned scales blending into the sand. Watching this snake glide silently over the dunes was a reminder of the Sahara’s intricate web of life, where survival depends on stealth and adaptation.

One of the most rewarding parts of our expedition was witnessing the unique personalities of the fennec foxes.

The foxes displayed a range of behaviours: playfulness in their interactions with one another, curious head tilts, cautious retreats at the slightest hint of danger. A flick of the tail, a sudden alertness in the ears, gentle sniffing of the air. Each subtle gesture revealed a depth of character that made us feel privileged to witness their lives so closely.

While the fennec fox is not currently classified as endangered, its fragile desert habitat is increasingly threatened by climate change and human encroachment. Expanding settlements, resource exploitation, and changing weather patterns jeopardize the delicate balance that these animals depend on.

Our hope is that sharing this footage and our experiences will raise awareness and inspire a deeper appreciation for the Sahara’s wildlife.

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Award-winning freelance filmmaker and photographer creating authentic wildlife and nature content for global brands and digital audiences.

✉ roxythezoologist@outlook.com