What are the reasons why desert foxes have big ears?

About the Fennec Fox. The fennec fox is the smallest of all the world's foxes, but its large ears, measuring 6 inches, appear to be on loan from a bigger relative. Desert Adaptations. Fennec foxes dwell in the sandy Sahara and elsewhere in North Africa. read more

Desert foxes retreat to cool, shady areas and hold their ears erect. The blood vessels dilate and heat escapes through the ears, cooling the animal's body. Large ears also trap and amplify sounds. This is especially helpful for locating prey, such as small rodents, that move underground to avoid the desert heat. read more