What is the Difference Between Fox and Jackal?

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Foxes and jackals are both members of the Canidae family and share some similarities, such as being omnivores and opportunistic feeders. However, there are several key differences between the two:

  1. Size: Foxes are generally smaller than jackals. Jackals are medium-sized carnivores, while foxes can vary in size depending on the species.
  2. Weight: Jackals weigh between 11 and 26 pounds, while foxes weigh about 11 pounds to 24 pounds.
  3. Coat: Both animals share brown, white, and tan coat colors, but jackals sport grey-colored coats, while foxes sport red ones.
  4. Habitat: Foxes are more adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts, while jackals are more limited in their habitat choices.
  5. Lifestyle: Jackals are monogamous and live and hunt in packs, while foxes are monogamous but live solitary lifestyles and do not form packs like wolves and coyotes.
  6. Prey: The main prey of a jackal includes antelope, reptiles, and insects, while foxes primarily eat rodents, rabbits, birds, and amphibians.

Despite their similarities, foxes and jackals have distinct differences in size, weight, coat color, habitat, and lifestyle.

Comparative Table: Fox vs Jackal

Here is a table comparing the differences between foxes and jackals:

Feature Fox Jackal
Size 16-33 inches in length, 5-11 kg in weight 16-25 inches in length, 6.8-11 kg in weight
Color Brown, Grey, White, Tan Brown, Red, Black, Tan
Main Preys Rabbits, Birds, Lizards Antelope, Reptile, Insects
Lifestyle Solitary Pack
Diet Omnivore (more carnivorous) Omnivore
Top Speed 50 km/h 16 km/h
Predators Eagles, Humans, Bears Eagles, Leopards, Hyenas
Life Expectancy 3-11 years 8-15 years
Habitat Woodland areas and urban parks Grass plains and dry woodland

Both foxes and jackals belong to the Canidae family and are omnivores, opportunistic feeders, and have fur coats. However, they differ in size, weight, coat color, preferred prey, habitat, lifestyle, top speed, predators, and life expectancy.