The big-eared fox, also known as the fennec fox, is a small nocturnal mammal native to North Africa. While it is commonly referred to as the big-eared fox, it is sometimes called the desert fox, due to its habitat in sandy desert regions. Other synonyms for this species include the smallest fox, thanks to its petite size, and the sand fox, as it often makes its home in sandy burrows. The fennec fox is also sometimes referred to as the Vulpes zerda, which is its scientific name. No matter what you call this adorable critter, it is certainly an interesting and unique animal worth learning more about.