The island fox, aka Channel Island fox, dwells on 6 of the 8 Channel Islands of California. A fascinating fact is that there are 6 subspecies that are unique to each island. These foxes are important, in part, as they serve a role in the spirituality of native Channel Islanders. Unfortunately, they face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of agriculture; and the introduction of invasive species, and with them competition for food, predation, and various diseases. The IUCN lists these foxes as Near Threatened. But their populations are fortunately increasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Urocyon littoralis
Weight: Up to 6.2 lbs.
Length: Up to 19.5 inches, plus up to an 11.5 inch tail
Height: Up to 6 inches, at the shoulders
Lifespan: Up to 10+ years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These foxes are gentle, and have little to no fear of human interactions.
2.) There have been instances of domestication.
3.) In 2013 there were just over 4,000 wild individuals, and those numbers are increasing.
4.) Molting takes place between August and November.
5.) The islands they call home are Santa Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island, San Nicolas Island, and Santa Rosa Island.
But wait, there’s more on the island fox!
6.) They can tolerate a wide variety of habitats like beaches; chaparral; grasslands; oak woodlands; pine forests; sand dunes; temperate forests; and thick, wooded, perennially fruiting shrublands.
7.) Rather than gather into troops, these foxes are solitary until they find a mate. Then they are monogamous (mate for life).
Did you know…?
A group of foxes is called an earth, a lead, leash, skulk, or troop.
8.) The island fox is nocturnal (active at night), like many other foxes. They also have shown crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) behaviors. During the summer months, they also may exhibit diurnal (active during the day) behaviors.
9.) Communication consists of auditory (sound), olfactory (smell), and visual (sight) cues.
10.) For instance, a dominant fox will utilize ear flattening, staring, and various vocalizations to cause another fox to concede.
But wait, there’s still more on the island fox!
11.) Their vocalizations consist of growling and/or barking.
12.) Being territorial by nature, boundaries are denoted via feces (poop) and urine marking.
Did you know…?
Between 1999 – 2000 nearly 90% of the island fox populations were disseminated as a result of the canine distemper virus. For this reason, no domesticated pets are allowed on the islands.
13.) These foxes are also skilled at climbing trees.
14.) Insects, birds, eggs, crabs, lizards, deer mice, and various fruits are all on the menu for these foxes.
15.) Females undergo up to a 63 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 5 kits.
But wait, there’s still a little more on the island fox!
16.) Kits are born altricial (blind and helpless).
17.) The kits are weaned at up to 9 weeks and are sexually mature at just 1 year.
18.) The introduction of American bison, goats, pigs, and sheep have caused damage to their habitats due to grazing and trampling of plants. Dogs and feral cats also prey on the kits.
19.) Golden eagles are their primary natural predator.
Now a Short Island Fox Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS
