Indeed, they evolved in similar environments, meant to fulfill a specific role in said environment. Here's a quote from my friend Vuca that sums it up pretty good.
A taxonomic exclusionist might consider only members of genus Vulpes to truly be foxes, but such is not my own view, thus here is why I am inclusive of what I deem a "fox":
"Fox" is a pre-scientific appellation. Hence I think what is considered a "fox" ought to be based on appearance and behavior (lay pre-scientific traits) rather than genetic taxonomy. And here are what I would define as the traits of a "fox":
- a small-to-medium size wild canid
- with a long bushy tail
- that hunts small prey, in a solitary manner
- that does not live in packs