Santa Catalina Island Fox

Santa Catalina Island Fox

Brianna Barnes

DESCRIPTION AND ECOLOGY
Image result for catalina island fox
Source: http://www.ocregister.com/2015/03/12/catalina-island-fox-
completes-its-comeback-may-come-off-endangered-list/
The Santa Catalina Island Fox, found on Santa Catalina Island in California, weight between 4 and 5 lbs and is the smallest species of fox in the United States. It is around 2-2.5 ft in length, and its fur is mostly grey and reddish brown. It can live in a variety of habitats and eat a variety of plants and animals, including insects, mice, small mammals, and ground-nesting birds. They usually give birth to their young in the spring, having 2 to 3 pups per litter.

GEOGRAPHIC AND POPULATION CHANGES
Image result for catalina island fox range
Source: http://www1.islandfox.org/2011/
In 1994, the Santa Catalina Island Fox had a population of 1,342 members. From 1999-2000, their population experienced a 90% drop, falling to approximately 100 foxes by 2000. Afterwards, their population has increased steadily, reaching 1,852 members by 2013.

Image result for catalina island fox
Source: http://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/01/19/4329/
catalina-island-fox-slyly-slides-endangered-list/
LISTING
Listing Date:3/5/2004
Type of Listing: Threatened
The Santa Catalina Island Fox was listed as threatened due to predation by golden eagles, as a result of the extirpation of bald eagles from the island. Another significant cause for the listing of the Santa Catalina Island fox was Canine Distemper Virus, or CDV, which was fatal to a large number of the foxes.

MAIN THREATS 
Image result for catalina island fox
Source: https://www.catalinaconservancy
.org/index.php?s=wildlife
The Santa Catalina Island fox is still faced with a number of threats. Non-native species threaten its existence due to animals overgrazing the land and the spread of non-native plants. CDV is still killing foxes, and may be spread by domestic cats. Deadly ear tumors are also killing these foxes. Golden eagles still prey on the foxes. They also get into fights with domestic dogs that may end fatally. There is also a lack of laws to prohibit animals from coming to the island without being checked for their health. The foxes also face competition with feral cats. Their low numbers leads to a lack of genetic diversity. Additionally, these foxes are attracted to trash cans, and often get trapped in the trash cans or get hit by a car while trying to get to a trash can.

Image result for catalina island fox
Source: http://www.thecatalinaislander.com/
article/conservancy%E2%80%99s-fox
-recovery-program-enjoys-continued-success
RECOVERY PLAN

This recovery plan was published on March 9, 2015. There are four main parts to the recovery plan for the Santa Catalina Island Fox:
1. Estimate population size
2. In 2001 and 2002, they relocated some young foxes from the western side of the island to the eastern side, where they had previously been extirpated
3. They began vaccinating the foxes against CDV in 2000
4. They used a captive breeding program from 2000 to 2004

Image result for catalina island fox trash can
Source: https://www.catalinaconservancy.org
/index.php?s=support&p=foxtrashcan
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Donate to the Catalina Island Conservancy to help install animal-proof trash cans. To make a donation, click here. Additionally, make sure to vaccinate your pets. Your dog or cat could carry a disease that could kill a fox, if brought to the island. The more we vaccinate our domesticated animals, the less likely it is that this disease will reach the foxes.



FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .
Click for links to more resources regarding the Santa Catalina Island Fox:

Comments

  1. DrWildlifeNovember 12, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    Being more conscious and innovative with how our everyday activities affect other species can definitely make a difference in the livelihood of these foxes. The solution that you gave about installing animal proof trash cans got me thinking about the intrinsic value of biodiversity that we discussed in class. With the overarching idea of how much we are willing to pay in order to make the switch that will benefit one species. We have the power to change the conditions for multiple species and I think that your solution is quite simple and doable in starting this revolution. Overall, your recovery plan was very straight-forward and easy to follow.
    -Sarah Bach

    ReplyDelete
  2. DrWildlifeNovember 13, 2017 at 12:18 PM

    I really liked your blog. You covered all the sections, and included nice pictures and maps. It was easy to read through and to follow. Though I don't really think about it that often I liked how you included information about how our household pets can affect wildlife. I know I always have my dog vaccinated but it is a good reminder to everyone. -Karah Bengs

    ReplyDelete
  3. DrWildlifeDecember 2, 2017 at 5:12 PM

    My favorite part of your blog was the "what you can do" section. Getting your pets vaccinated is a very easy way to protect foxes and everyone can do it. Your main threats section was also very interesting and insightful, especially the part about competition with feral cats.
    - Hailey Bohmaker

    ReplyDelete
  4. DrWildlifeDecember 11, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    I really enjoyed your blog and thought it was extremely helpful to see the graph showing geographic and population changes. Your information was clear, concise, and very easy to follow! -Haley Baquian

    ReplyDelete

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