San Joaquin Kit Fox

Species Description:

The San Joaquin Kit Fox, a subspecies of the kit fox, is one of the most endangered animals in California. The kit fox has tan or yellowish-grey fur, big ears, a long bushy tail and furry toes that help to keep it cool in its hot and dry environment. The average lifespan is only 7 years and they are approximately 5 pounds, which is about the size of a regular housecat. They are primarily nocturnal animals that use dens for housing and protection from predators such as coyotes and red foxes. Mating normally takes place between December and March, with an average gestation period ranging from 38 to 52 days. The average litter ranges from 2 to 6 pups. The current population is estimated to be less than 7,000 individuals.

Habitat and Range:

The San Joaquin kit fox was originally found all throughout the San Joaquin Valley in Central California. Today, they are only found on the edges of the valley from southern Kern County up to Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin Counties on the west and up to Stanislaus County on the east. There are very few populations that currently exist within the valley floor.

Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:

The San Joaquin kit foxes as scavengers, play a major role in biodegradation. They are hunters of various insects, rodents, kangaroo rats and rabbits. They are important members of native ecosystems by helping to control rodent populations. They are primarily carnivores, but when food is scarce they have been reported to eat cactus fruits, tomatoes and other available fruits. The kit foxes are prey for other carnivores such as coyotes and bobcats. The kit foxes move from den to den in search of mates and food. Their old dens often become homes to other kit foxes or other animals.

With urban environments pushing into their habitats, they will take advantage of eating garbage and pet food when they come in contact with it. When they have easy access to these things their natural behavior changes and they lose caution and fear of people. This exposes them to dangers such as vehicles, poisons and sports nets.

Cause of Decline:

One of the major threats to the population and causes for their decline is climate changes. The populations rise and fall with the amount of annual rainfall. This means more rain, then more kit foxes. Major changes in precipitation patterns, including reduced rainfall and increasing droughts have a large impact on the population.

Humans are another cause for decline of the population. The change in the Central Valley from open grasslands to farms, orchards, houses and roads is the main problem. These environmental changes   has led to many kit foxes’ deaths, illnesses, injuries, difficulties finding a mate and difficulties finding food.

Current Conservation Efforts:

The Defenders of Wildlife have actually formed an unusual alliance with the California Cattlemen’s Association in efforts to help save the San Joaquin Kit Fox. The group is called the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, which now has over 50 members and is working to save 13 million acres of rangeland in the Central Valley.

How to Help:

Although efforts are underway to help save the San Joaquin Kit Fox, more can always be done! If you have the funds available, I strongly encourage either adopting a kit fox or donating to the Defenders of Wildlife fund to help save these animals.

Adopting a kit fox helps support the Defenders of Wildlife’s work to educate the public about threats to kit foxes and preserve the lands that the kit fox depends on for survival. You can adopt a Kit Fox at the link below: https://secure.defenders.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=wagc_kitfox&s_src=3WEW1500XXXXX&s_subsrc=062215_adopt_block_san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts

Or you can adopt by phone at 800-385-9712.  Adoptions by phone can be made between 9:00am-6:00pm Monday-Friday.

General donations can be made at the link below: https://secure.defenders.org/site/Donation2?df_id=11300&11300.donation=form1&s_src=3WDW1500GHXX1&s_subsrc=quick-donate_san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts_062215

If you do not have the funds to adopt or donate you can still help save these animals by just spreading the word! You can sign up for instant alerts (via email or text) at http://www.defenders.org/san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts or follow the Defenders of Wildlife on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DefendersofWildlife and share their stories with everyone you know in order to spread awareness.