Wolf vs Rotfuchs

Canis lupus compared with Vulpes vulpes

Key Differences

• Wolf is Critically Endangered while Rotfuchs is Least Concern.
• Wolf is carnivore while Rotfuchs is omnivore.
• Wolf is 7.5x heavier than Rotfuchs.
• Wolf lives longer (13 years vs 5 years).

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Wolf	Rotfuchs
Kingdom same	Animalia (Tier)	Animalia (Tier)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordatiere)	Chordata (Chordatiere)
Class same	Mammalia (Säugetiere)	Mammalia (Säugetiere)
Order same	Carnivora (Raubtiere)	Carnivora (Raubtiere)
Family same	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)	Canidae (Dogs & Wolves)
Genus	Canis (Dogs & Wolves)	Vulpes (Foxes)
Species	Canis lupus	Vulpes vulpes

Evolutionary Relationship

Wolf and Rotfuchs share a common ancestor at the Family level: Canidae. (Dogs & Wolves)

Conservation Status

Wolf

CR — Critically Endangered

Population: ~300.0K

Trend: Stable →

Rotfuchs

LC — Least Concern

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Wolf	Rotfuchs
Diet	Carnivore	Omnivore
Average Lifespan	13 years	5 years
Average Length	1.6 m	70 cm
Average Weight	45.0 kg	6.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Wolf

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, deserts and xeric shrublands, and tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, among 13 distinct biome types. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Widely distributed across Africa (Seychelles), Asia (Japan), Europe (5 countries), North America (7 countries), Oceania and the Pacific (Marshall Islands, Vanuatu), and South America (5 countries). Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Rotfuchs

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).

Wolf

The most widely distributed wild canid, gray wolves range from North America across Eurasia in diverse habitats including tundra, forests, and grasslands. Highly social animals living in family packs led by a dominant breeding pair. As keystone predators, wolves regulate prey populations and profoundly shape ecosystem structure, as demonstrated by their reintroduction in Yellowstone. Once heavily persecuted, populations are recovering in many regions.

Rotfuchs

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.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 7 countries:

🇦🇷 Argentina 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇸 United States