The Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is a canid that lives in the savannas and dry grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Its large, bat-like ears not only allow it to detect the sounds of insects moving underground but also help dissipate body heat. Unusually for a canid, it feeds primarily on insects, with termites making up a large part of its diet. It has more teeth than other canids to efficiently crush small prey. It forages mainly at night and rests in underground burrows during the day. It acts in pairs or family groups, and males take part in caring for young and defending the burrow. On the IUCN Red List it is classified as Least Concern (LC), but in some areas it is affected by agricultural conversion, road mortality, diseases transmitted from livestock, and pest control measures.