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SANTA CATALINA ISLAND FOX: LIFE
ON THE EDGE |
This spring, the Catalina Island Conservancy expands its Santa Catalina Island
Fox Recovery Program to include captive breeding. Letting you and other community
members know about this project is a priority for the Conservancy.
Fox Ecology
The Santa Catalina Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) has been resident
on the island for at least 4000 years. There are differing theories about how
the fox came to be on Catalina. One theory is that they came from the mainland
by floating across the channel on logs or other debris, often during stormy conditions.
Another theory is that fox may have been brought to Catalina by the first people.
Although we do not know for sure how the fox first came to the island, through
genetic analysis we do know that it is descended from the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
An adult fox weighs 4-5 pounds. This is about half the size of its mainland
ancestors. Although diminutive, the fox is Catalina's largest terrestrial predator.
An omnivore, its diet includes mice, lizards, bird eggs, berries, insects, and
cactus. Taking advantage of many food resources enhances the fox's chance of
survival on the island. Foxes usually forage at low light times of the day, dawn
and dusk.
Foxes are solitary. Males and females interact during the January through
March mating season. Gestation lasts 50-53 days, litter size is 2-3 kits. Family
groups, usually mother and young, stay together in and around the den until early
fall, when the young are left on their own. Juvenile foxes will be ready to mate
at the end of their first year.
Background of problem
Perhaps as few as 20-25 Santa Catalina Island Foxes remain on the island's east
end. The population, decimated by canine distemper virus in 1999, teeters on
the edge of survival. Canine (dog) distemper is very contagious and spreads between
dogs or foxes in much the same way as the common cold among people. Many more
foxes inhabit the west end, evidently spared the deadly effects of the distemper
outbreak by being separated from the infected east end.
Current situation
Currently, Institue for Wildlife Studies (IWS) biologists are attempting to capture
and vaccinate at least 80% of the west end animals with a vaccine especially
developed for the island fox. All of the vaccinated foxes will be recaptured
and given booster shots in 2-4 months. IWS staff has observed no negative effects
of the procedure.
Simultaneously, habitat enclosures are being constructed near Middle Ranch
as the first step toward a captive breeding program. Twelve fox pairs will be
moved into the enclosures with hopes that they will mate and give birth this
spring. In the fall, the young foxes will be released on the east end, adding
to the very small remaining population.
In January, six juvenile foxes from the west end were translocated, or moved,
to the east end. Juvenile foxes are apt to be searching out their own territories
at this time of the year, which, it is hoped, will be a factor in the translocation
success. Every effort is being made to increase the number of foxes on the east
end so that individuals will be able to find mates and normal reproduction can
commence.
Vaccination and captive breeding are very expensive projects. Raising funds
to save the fox will continue until the population is restored to healthy numbers.
Island Fox is protected
The Island Fox is protected because of its extreme rarity, therefore it is illegal
to harass, harm or keep one as a pet. It is a candidate for federal endangered
species listing. There are fewer than 2000 Island foxes in the entire world.
They occur on the six largest of the eight California Channel Islands, with each
island having a distinct subspecies. It is truly one of Catalina's most endearing
and unique animals.
Foxes may be encountered anywhere on the island. In the fall and winter, young
foxes disperse to new territories and all foxes roam more in search of food.
Because fox activity at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours before and after
dark coincides with the morning and evening commute time, it is essential that
we become careful wildlife watchers.
What you can do
Drawing the Santa Catalina Island fox population back to healthy numbers is a
serious, high priority project. For your safety and theirs:
1. KEEP ALL DOGS AND CATS ON LEASH WHILE IN THE INTERIOR.
2. DO NOT FEED ANY WILDLIFE.
All wildlife, including foxes, need a healthy "wild" diet. And, foxes
may become fatalities when they approach cars because they have previously been
lured by food.
3. ALWAYS DRIVE SLOWLY. Be alert for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
If you see a hurt, injured or dead fox, please do not attempt to move it.
Call the Catalina Island Conservancy at 510-2595 to report it immediately.
Please report sightings of live foxes to the Catalina Island Conservancy's Ecological
Restoration Department, (310) 510-1299.
For more information about the Santa Catalina Island Fox, contact:
Catalina Island Conservancy, PO BOX 2739, Avalon, CA. 90704
Peter Schuyler, Director of Conservation (310) 510-1299 pschuyler@catalinaconservancy.org
Deb Jensen, Director of Education (310) 510-0954 djensen@catalinaconservancy.org |
