<P> Information on fennec fox social behavior is mainly based on captive animals . The basic social unit is thought to be a mated pair and their offspring, and the young of the previous year are believed to remain in the family even after a new litter is born . Playing behavior is common, including among adults of the species . Fennec foxes make a variety of sounds, including barking, a purring sound similar to that of a domestic cat, and a snarl if threatened . </P> <P> Captive animals engage in highly social behaviors, typically resting while in contact with each other . Males tend to show more aggression and urine - marking around the time of the females' estrous cycle . They have been seen to bury feces by pushing soil with their noses or hind feet when in captivity . Much remains unknown of their basic ecology and behavior in the wild, and a 2004 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature stated that "in - depth study of the species, with particular emphasis on habitat use and population dynamics in the wild, is overdue ." </P> <P> The fennec fox is an omnivore . Food sources include rodents, insects, birds, eggs, and rabbits . An individual can jump up to 2 ft (61 cm) high and 4 ft (120 cm) forward, which helps it catch prey and escape predators . When hunting, large - eared foxes such as the fennec, or the bat - eared fox, can seem to stare at the ground while they rotate their heads from side to side to pinpoint the location of prey, either underground or hidden above ground . There are reports that fennec foxes climb date palms while foraging for fruit; however, some experts consider these reports unlikely unless low branches are available for support . </P> <P> The species can live without free water, as its kidneys are adapted to restrict water loss . A fennec's burrowing can cause the formation of dew . They are also known to absorb water through food consumption, but will drink water if available . </P>

What type of consumer is a fennec fox