Fox vs. Jackal: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 12, 2023
A fox is a small, omnivorous mammal known for its cunning, while a jackal is a medium-sized carnivorous canine native to Africa and Asia.
Difference Between Fox and Jackal
Both foxes and jackals belong to the canine family, but they differ in several key aspects, starting with their habitat and distribution. Foxes are versatile creatures that inhabit a variety of environments, from deserts to icy tundras, and are found in multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Jackals, on the other hand, predominantly dwell in Africa and some parts of Asia, thriving mostly in grasslands, deserts, and savannahs.
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Sep 12, 2023
In terms of appearance, while both possess elongated snouts and bushy tails, their sizes and colors can vary. Foxes, especially the common red fox, have a distinctive reddish-brown coat, with white underbellies and dark legs. Meanwhile, jackals tend to be larger than most fox species and display coats that range from golden to silver-backed or even black and white.
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Sep 12, 2023
Dietary habits of these canines also draw a line between them. Foxes are omnivores, feeding on a diverse range of foods from small mammals, birds, and insects to fruits and vegetables. Jackals are more carnivorous, preying on animals like rodents, birds, and even ungulates; however, they can occasionally eat plants and fruits.
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Sep 12, 2023
Behaviors of foxes and jackals reflect their adaptive natures. Foxes are known for their cunning and intelligence, often depicted in folklore and legends as tricksters. They are usually solitary hunters. Jackals, conversely, can be seen hunting in pairs or small groups and are often associated with scavenging, although they are skilled hunters in their own right.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 12, 2023
Lastly, in cultural contexts, the fox is often revered for its intelligence and craftiness across various societies. The jackal, especially in ancient Egyptian culture, is seen as a symbol of the afterlife and is sometimes associated with Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 12, 2023
Fox vs. Jackal Comparison Chart
Habitat/Distribution
Found on multiple continents (North America, Europe, Asia).
Predominantly in Africa and parts of Asia.
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Sep 12, 2023
Size and Appearance
Smaller with a reddish-brown coat.
Generally larger with varied coat colors.
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Sep 12, 2023
Diet
Omnivorous (eats both meat and plants).
Mostly carnivorous with occasional plant intake.
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Sep 12, 2023
Behavior
Solitary hunters, known for cunning.
Hunts in pairs/groups, often scavenges.
Jonathan
Sep 12, 2023
Cultural Associations
Associated with intelligence and trickery.
Linked to the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture.
Nolan
Sep 12, 2023
Fox vs. Jackal Definitions
◉Fox
A small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal belonging to the canine family.
The red fox darted across the field at dusk.
Lucas
Sep 05, 2023
◉Jackal
A wild medium-sized canine native to Africa and Asia.
Jackals can often be heard howling in the evening.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Jackal
A scavenging and hunting mammal that often feeds on carrion.
The jackal feasted on the remains left by lions.
Olivia
Sep 05, 2023
◉Jackal
A symbol of desolation or a treacherous person.
In tales, he is often portrayed as the jackal, waiting for an opportunity to betray.
Levi
Sep 05, 2023
◉Fox
A type of carnivorous mammal known for its pointy ears and bushy tail.
The Arctic fox changes its fur color with the seasons.
Nolan
Sep 05, 2023
◉Jackal
A person who performs dishonest or base tasks for another.
He acted as the politician's jackal, taking care of the dirty work.
Jonathan
Sep 05, 2023
◉Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
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May 03, 2023
◉Jackal
A member of a group of small to medium-sized canids.
The golden jackal is one of the common species of jackals.
Elijah
Sep 05, 2023
◉Jackal
Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
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◉Jackal
One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.
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◉Jackal
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
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◉Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
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◉Jackal
(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
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May 03, 2023
◉Jackal
Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
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May 03, 2023
◉Jackal
One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
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May 03, 2023
◉Jackal
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
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◉Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
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◉Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
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◉Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
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◉Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
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◉Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
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◉Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
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◉Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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◉Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
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◉Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
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◉Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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◉Fox
alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
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◉Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
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◉Fox
a member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
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◉Fox
deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
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◉Fox
be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
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May 03, 2023
◉Fox
A repair or patch intended to remedy a defect or deficiency.
The mechanic put a quick fox on the leak.
Kaitlyn
Sep 05, 2023
Fox vs. Jackal Frequently Asked Questions
Do jackals eat fruits and plants?
Occasionally, but they primarily have a carnivorous diet.
Elijah
Sep 12, 2023
Why is a fox often considered cunning?
Folklore and observations of their adaptive behaviors associate foxes with intelligence and craftiness.
Lucas
Sep 12, 2023
Are foxes found in Africa?
Yes, but they are less common compared to jackals.
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Sep 12, 2023
How are foxes and jackals different in cultural contexts?
Foxes are often associated with trickery, while jackals in ancient Egyptian culture symbolize the afterlife.
Nolan
Sep 12, 2023
Which is larger, a fox or a jackal?
Generally, jackals are larger than most fox species.
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Sep 12, 2023
Can foxes and jackals interbreed?
No, despite being in the same family, they are distinct species and cannot interbreed.
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Sep 12, 2023
Is the fox's diet similar to that of the jackal's?
While both can consume meat and plants, foxes have a more omnivorous diet compared to the predominantly carnivorous diet of jackals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 12, 2023
Do foxes and jackals have similar habitats?
While both can adapt to various habitats, foxes have a broader distribution, whereas jackals are mainly found in Africa and parts of Asia.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 12, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
