Cape Fox - Reproduction

Reproduction

Typical of most Canid species, Cape foxes will mate for life. They are, though, capable of breeding all year long, unlike the red fox, although they do typically have offspring in the months from October to January. From conception, the female Cape fox has a gestation period of 51 to 53 days, and she gives birth to a litter size of one to six cubs (or kits). Reared underground in burrows, the cubs will stay close to the den until they are about four months old. Weaned at around six to eight weeks of age, they do not begin to forage until they are four months of age, and they are usually independent at five months of age, when they will disperse, typically in June or July. Initially, they typically weigh from 50 to 100 grams (1.7 - 3.5 ounces) at birth, and both parents will care for the young, with the male even providing for the female for the first two weeks. A family group usually only consists of the parents and their offspring, but different family groups sometimes mix during feeding. Multiple litters are possible, and have been observed; the female usually chases out the cubs from her litter, though, when she is expecting another litter. They are fully grown in about a year, with both the female and the male reaching sexual maturity at 9 months. The Cape fox has a life expectancy of about six years, but it can live up to 10 years.