Web Page By:

Damon Fukushima

Dave Holland

Stacie Le

Milan Mitrovich

Esther Rubin

University of California, San Diego

Conservation Biology 180

Instructor: Michael Gilpin

The Channel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis), the smallest North American canid, is an insular species endemic to 6 of the 8 California Channel Islands (Moore and Collins 1995). This descendent of the mainland gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus) is an insular dwarf yet is the largest native mammal on the islands. Foxes on these islands possess additional characteristic traits which have stimulated scientific study and generated management concern.

A geographically restricted distribution and a lack of detectable gene flow between islands has created an ideal system for research regarding colonization and genetic differentiation in small populations. Genetic studies have found varying levels of genetic heterozygosity among populations on the six islands, and these populations are currently recognized as six subspecies (Moore and Collins 1995). Researchers have been unable to detect any genetic heterozygosity in foxes on San Nicolas Island, yet the subspecies apparently has persisted for thousands of years (Wayne et al. 1991). Historical and archeological records have been combined with results of genetic analysis to produce hypotheses regarding the probable fox colonization routes on the six islands.

The relatively small population sizes, genetic isolation, low genetic variation, and a possible susceptibility to canine diseases (Garcelon et al. 1992) have led to concern regarding the long-term viability of this species. The California Department of Fish and Game has designated the Channel Island fox as a threatened species, and studies regarding the ecology and genetics of these canids are ongoing. However, questions regarding the conservation of foxes on the Channel Islands have not been fully addressed, and no comprehensive management plan is in place. The purpose of this information site is to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the Channel Island fox, discuss potential threats to the viability of this species, and make recommendations for future management and research.

Taxonomy Current Status

Current Distribution and Abundance Ecology

Hypothesized Evolutionary History & Genetic Characterization

Current Threats and Concerns Monitoring and Management Programs

Management Options Conservation Recommendations

Acknowledgments Literature Cited