Japanese Weasel vs Red Fox

Mustela itatsi compared with Vulpes vulpes

Key Differences

• Japanese Weasel is Near Threatened while Red Fox is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Japanese Weasel	Red Fox
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order same	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)
Genus	Mustela	Vulpes (Foxes)
Species	Mustela itatsi	Vulpes vulpes

Evolutionary Relationship

Japanese Weasel and Red Fox share a common ancestor at the Order level: Carnivora. (Carnivorans)

Conservation Status

Japanese Weasel

NT — Near Threatened

Red Fox

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Japanese Weasel	Red Fox
Diet	—	Omnivore
Average Lifespan	—	5 years
Average Length	—	70 cm
Average Weight	—	6.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Japanese Weasel

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Japan. 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).

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.