Marbled polecat vs Red Fox

Vormela peregusna compared with Vulpes vulpes

Key Differences

• Marbled polecat is Vulnerable while Red Fox is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Marbled polecat	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	Vormela	Vulpes (Foxes)
Species	Vormela peregusna	Vulpes vulpes

Evolutionary Relationship

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

Conservation Status

Marbled polecat

VU — Vulnerable

Red Fox

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

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

Habitat & Geographic Range

Marbled polecat

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Ukraine. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

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.