ORANGE COUNTY ZOO
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Irvine Park Railroad
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Orange County Zoological Society,
Copyright 2005.
Island Fox
Urocyon littoralis
At
3 - 5 ½ pounds, the island fox is the smallest fox species in the United States
and is the only carnivore endemic to California. Island foxes are primarily
monogamous. 1-2 pups are born annually in a den located in natural cavities,
rock piles, log piles, or in dense vegetation. Born in April or May, the pups
emerge from the den in May or June and are dependent on their parents for
another 2-3 months. Island foxes are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects
as well as mice, birds, eggs, and fruit.
In 1999, 15 San Clemente Island foxes were relocated to mainland zoos. Six zoos, including the Orange County Zoo, are now participating in the captive breeding program.
STATUS IN THE WILD
San Miguel Island - Extinct in the Wild
There are 28 foxes in captivity on San Miguel Island, and perhaps one
left in the wild. Of the 28 captive foxes, 15 pups were born in
captivity.
Santa Rosa Island - Extinct in the Wild
There are 45 foxes in captivity on Santa Rosa Island and none in the wild. Pup
production on Santa Rosa continues to be good. A total of 13 pups were born in
spring 2002.
Santa Cruz Island - Critically Endangered
In 2001, an island fox radiotelemetry study indicated that golden eagle
predation was still a factor for the population. Eleven of 35 radiocollared wild
foxes died from December 2001 through May 2002 with 10 of those foxes dying from
eagle predation. The wild population on Santa Cruz was estimated to be only
50-60 animals. Twelve foxes were brought into captivity on the island in spring
2002 and additional animals will be brought into captivity in summer 2002.
San Nicolas Island - Vulnerable
The island fox population on San Nicolas continues to be dense and stable at 435
foxes. Twenty island fox blood samples were tested for canine diseases. All were
positive for canine parvovirus and 80% were positive for canine distemper virus.
Collisions with vehicles has historically been an important fox mortality cause
on San Nicolas, but implementation of reduced speed limits and installation of
signs and other educational efforts have reduced its importance.
Santa Catalina Island - Critically Endangered
The Santa Catalina population had a canine distemper outbreak in 1999-2000. Many
foxes are being relocated from the west end to the east end of the island,
vaccinated against canine distemper, or being brought into captivity on the
island. The first release of captive-born juvenile foxes occurred in fall 2001
and have all survived.
San Clemente Island - Endangered
Island foxes on San Clemente Island have been intensively monitored and managed
as part of the U.S. Navy's predator management program for the endangered San
Clemente loggerhead shrike. Island foxes are generally declining on San Clemente
Island, but the reason is not clear.
Information and wild fox photos courtesy of Tim Coonan, park biologist, National Park Service, Channel Islands National Park. This information current as of 2002. Click for more Island fox information from the National Park Service