field vole vs Red Fox

Microtus agrestis compared with Vulpes vulpes

Key Differences

  • field vole is Near Threatened while Red Fox is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank field vole Red Fox
Kingdom same Animalia (Animals) Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same Chordata (Chordates) Chordata (Chordates)
Class same Mammalia (Mammals) Mammalia (Mammals)
Order Rodentia (Rodents) Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family Cricetidae Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)
Genus Microtus Vulpes (Foxes)
Species Microtus agrestis Vulpes vulpes

Evolutionary Relationship

field vole and Red Fox share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

field vole

NT — Near Threatened

Red Fox

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute field vole Red Fox
Diet Omnivore
Average Lifespan 5 years
Average Length 70 cm
Average Weight 6.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

field vole

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Red Fox

Habitat

Typically found in a wide range of habitat types.

Range

Widely distributed across Asia (Cyprus, Israel), Europe (8 countries), North America (United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia), and South America (Argentina).

field vole

field vole (Microtus agrestis) is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Close to qualifying as threatened, with populations that may become vulnerable without conservation action.

Red Fox

The most widespread wild carnivore on Earth, red foxes have colonized habitats from Arctic tundra to urban environments across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced ranges in Australia. Recognized by their russet coat, white belly, and bushy tail. Highly adaptable omnivores, red foxes eat everything from rabbits and voles to fruit and human refuse. They communicate with over 40 distinct vocalizations.

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