Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪp fˈɒks] (IPA) 
The word "cape fox" is spelled with the vowel sound /eɪ/, which represents the long "a" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, this is written as /keɪp fɑks/. The "c" in "cape" is pronounced like the "k" sound, while the "f" in "fox" is pronounced like the "ks" sound. This animal, native to southern Africa, is also known as the silver fox, black fox, and copper fox. Its scientific name is Vulpes chama.
The Cape fox, scientifically known as Vulpes chama, is a species of small-sized fox that is native to the southwestern parts of Africa. This carnivorous mammal is a member of the Canidae family and possesses distinctive characteristics that help to identify it. A dictionary definition of the Cape fox describes it as having a compact body with short legs and a moderately long bushy tail. It measures around 45 to 61 cm in length, with an additional 25 to 30 cm for the tail, and weighs approximately 3 to 5 kg. The fur coloring of the Cape fox varies seasonally, displaying a blend of grays, browns, and whites, which provides effective camouflage within its arid habitat.
This species is primarily nocturnal and solitary, showing a preference for semi-desert areas, grasslands, and scrublands. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments, including human settlements, as it primarily feeds on small mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and fruits. The Cape fox is known for its exceptional digging skills, creating dens in sandy or rocky areas as shelter and for reproductive purposes.
Despite being a relatively abundant species, their numbers have been gradually decreasing due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Therefore, the Cape fox is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is also legally protected in some countries to help conserve its population. Nonetheless, its adaptability and resourcefulness make the Cape fox a remarkable and resilient creature, playing a crucial role in the ecosystems it inhabits.
The etymology of the word "cape fox" can be understood by breaking it down into its two components: "cape" and "fox".
1. Cape: The term "cape" in this context refers to the Cape of Good Hope, a geographical region located at the southern tip of Africa. The name "Cape of Good Hope" was given by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who originally called it "Cabo de Boa Esperança" when he discovered it in 1488. The word "Cape" itself comes from Latin "caput", meaning "head", as it represents the headland or protrusion of land.
2. Fox: The term "fox" refers to a carnivorous mammal belonging to the Canidae family. The word "fox" is derived from the Old English word "fox", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fuhsaz".
