Vulpinae

Vulpinae is a taxonomic grouping commonly associated with the foxes, a set of small- to medium-sized canids found across many regions of the world. In some classifications, Vulpinae is treated as a distinct subfamily within Canidae, while in others foxes are placed in the tribe Vulpini within the subfamily Caninae. Because taxonomic placement varies by authority, the exact rank of Vulpinae is not universally fixed.

The group comprises several genera traditionally referred to as foxes, including Vulpes, Urocyon, Otocyon, and Fennecus, among others. Species within these genera exhibit considerable diversity in size and color, from the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) to the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the fennec fox (Fennecus species). Common morphological traits include a slender body, pointed snout, and a bushy tail, with fur coloration adapted to their environments.

Foxes occupy a wide range of habitats, from deserts and tundra to forests and urban areas. They are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, with diets that can include small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and scavenged food. They are generally territorial and solitary or form small family groups, with denning sites such as burrows or abandoned structures.

Conservation status varies by species and range. Most fox species are of least concern, but several have restricted distributions or face threats from habitat loss, disease, or introduced predators. The Vulpinae group remains a subject of ongoing taxonomic discussion within Canidae.