Highlights from the Integrated Island Fox Recovery Team Meeting

June 20-22, 2006

The island fox may be a small animal but it has many friends.
With island foxes living on six of the Channel Islands, a wide range of people and organizations are involved in assuring their recovery from endangered status on the northern islands and maintaining their populations on the southern islands.

Reports on the current status were provided by each of the land managers:

1. San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands - Tim Coonan, National Park Service
   
2. Santa Cruz Island - Lotus Vermeer, The Nature Conservancy
   
3. Santa Catalina Island - Carlos de la Rosa, Catalina Island Conservancy
   
4. San Clemente Island - Kelly Brock, U.S. Navy
5. San Nicolas Island - Grace Smith, U.S. Navy

This has been a good year for the island fox. Populations appear stable or increasing, and with the exception of Santa Catalina Island, there is no evidence of widespread disease.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Northern Islands:

• San Miguel Island (46 foxes in the wild; 32 in captivity)
• Santa Rosa Island (~42 foxes in the wild; 42 in captivity)
• Santa Cruz Island (~324 foxes in the wild, 81 in captivity)

Foxes on the Northern islands are reproducing well in the wild. Most released females had pups this spring, helping to dramatically increase fox numbers on Santa Cruz Island.

Foxes in the captive breeding programs are reproducing less. Hormone and stress level research over the past year was unable to identify any specific reasons for this decline in fertility. The island fox appears to be different from other foxes regarding reproduction. More research is needed to understand how best to manage sustained successful reproduction in captivity.

The last known breeding pair of golden eagles were removed from Santa Cruz Island on 6/21 and 6/22/06. This wily raptor pair has eluded capture for several years, but the two golden eagles were finally caught with net guns released from a low-flying helicopter. The two eagles have been fitted with radio transmitters and will be released in Northern California. Their chick has been taken to San Diego for fostering. A few immature golden eagles may still reside on the northern islands, but this is a huge step forward in making the islands safe (link) for foxes released back into the wild.

This is the fifth and final year for bald eagle releases on the northern islands. To date ~60 juvenile bald eagles have been released. Two bald eagle chicks were hatched by released birds and are being successfully raised by their first-time parents on Santa Cruz Island. This is a positive step toward the reestablishment of bald eagles on the northern islands. You can observe one of the island eagle families as they occasionaly return to the nest at www.iws.org/nestcam.htm

In order to restore the natural habitat on Santa Cruz Island, feral pigs continue to be removed. To date nearly 5,000 feral pigs have been removed and it is believed only 10 pigs are still loose on the island. This is an important step forward in restoring the entire ecosystem on Santa Cruz Island.

• Santa Catalina Island (415 foxes in the wild, 5 in captivity)

The island fox population continues to recover from the virus, believed to be canine distemper, that swept through the population in 1999-2000. Over 80% of the foxes on the island have now been vaccinated for the disease.

Ear mites, possibly transmitted from feral domestic cats, are currently causing tumors in the ear canals of 30% of the Catalina island foxes. These tumors appear to gradually become cancerous and 20% of the general population has this form of cancer. The causes and ramifications of this trend are yet unknown, but concern for the situation is growing. The majority of the foxes in captivity on Santa Catalina Island are individuals receiving health care.

Domestic dogs running loose have also been responsible for the death of several foxes. The Catalina Conservancy is trying to educate the public on Catalina Island and a new Pet Policy requiring domestic pets be contained has been implemented for the interior of the island.

Southern Islands:
New studies are proposed to more precisely determine the fox population on San Clemente Island. This will help the Navy monitor fox numbers and needs. The population on San Nicolas Island is regularly monitored and believed to be stable at ~400 foxes. On both islands steps are being taken to reduce fox fatalities from car strikes.


New Insights:

• Even when it is offered, island foxes do not seem to drink much fresh water. Perhaps they are utilizing fog condensed on plants.
• Research showed that for foxes kept in captive breeding facilities having 8 or more structures in their pen (boxes, hammocks, etc.) gave them multiple options and reduced stress.
• Some of the radio-tagged bald eagles released on the islands have returned to the mainland; one traveling as far as Montana.
• Bald eagles are scavengers. Ammunition used by a hunting facility on Santa Rosa Island has caused lead poisoning in some of the released bald eagles.
• The primary food sources for golden eagles on the northern islands are mammal species that have been introduced by humans (feral piglets, deer and elk fawns). Removing these introduced species would remove the primary reason golden eagles are attracted to the islands.

Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. strongly supports all of the conservation efforts by the various biologists and organizations working on behalf of the island fox. Our goal is to make the community at large aware of the island fox’s situation and to help all of these positive efforts to Save the Island Fox.

What is an ISLAND FOX ?

The island fox (Urocyon littoralis) is a unique species found only on six of the eight Channel Islands along the coast of southern California. Channel Island Fox Habitat

The island fox’s size, habitat, and behavior make them very different from their closest relative the mainland gray fox. Each island fox population also faces different challenges. The foxes on the northern islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Catalina Island in the south were listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2004. More About the Island Fox

Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. works with government agencies, private conservation organizations, community groups, schools and individuals to support island fox conservation, research and public awareness.

• Fox Ambassador School program
• Radio Collars for Released Island Foxes

Island fox survival is threatened by habitat imbalances created by human actions. The good news is current conservation efforts are improving both the island habitat and increasing island fox numbers. Captive breeding has allowed island fox species at the brink of extinction to make a come back.

Island Fox Status

National Park Islands

Santa Cruz Island foxes Endangered

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 1,465
• Low point 2000: population 80
• Captive breeding starts in 2002 with: wild foxes (~50); captive foxes (12)
• January 2006: wild foxes (~149); captive foxes (62) plus new pups

• Captive breeding still taking place. Golden eagles remain a threat.

Santa Rosa Island foxes Endangered

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 1,780
  
• Low point 2000: population 38
• Captive breeding starts in 2001 with: wild foxes (0); captive foxes (32)
  
• January 2006: wild foxes (~39); captive foxes (51) plus new pups

• Captive breeding still taking place. Golden eagles remain a threat.

San Miguel Island foxes Endangered

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 450
  
• Low point 2000: population 15
• Captive breeding starts in 2001 with: wild foxes (1); captive foxes (21)
  
• January 2006: wild foxes (43); captive foxes (48) plus new pups

• Captive breeding still taking place. Golden eagles less of a threat.

Southern Islands

Santa Catalina Island foxes Endangered

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 1,342
  
• Low point 2000: population 165
  
• Captive breeding starts in 2001 with: wild foxes (~200); captive foxes (30)
  
• January 2006: wild foxes (425); captive foxes (5)

• Captive breeding has been successful. All able foxes have been returned to wild.

Navy Islands

San Clemente Island foxes

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 1,003
  
• 2000: population ~500
  
• January 2006: wild foxes (~400); captive foxes in Zoos (13)

San Nicolas Island foxes

• Decline noticed in 1994 - population 550
  
• 2000: population ~734
  
• January 2006: wild foxes (~435)

Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island have never had fox populations.

Updated population numbers for all of the islands will be available in early July 2006.

Captive breeding, public awareness and habitat restoration are improving the status of the island fox, but we still have a long way to go to reach healthy stable population numbers.

You can help Save the Island Fox by supporting Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. and current conservation efforts on the Channel Islands.

Island Fox Festival - Los Angeles Zoo

Come meet Bear and Stubby, a pair of San Clemente Island foxes, and celebrate the ongoing conservation efforts to save this endangered species.

Saturday, May 20; 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
at
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Los Angeles Zoo is one of the few places where the public can easily see island foxes up close. All day Saturday, May 20th the docent Conservation Committee of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens will be hosting their Third Annual Island Fox Festival. There will be:

• keeper & docent talks at the island fox enclosure
• interactive stations on the island fox, native plants and island conservation
• crafts and face painting
• special presentations, activities and more

Representatives from Friends of the Island Fox and the Channel Islands National Park will also be on-hand.

At the Friends of the Island Fox booth you’ll be able to see one of the radio collars we are funding so island foxes can be returned to the wild. We will also be conducting demonstrations of radio telemetry tracking throughout the day.

Come join us for a great day at the L.A. Zoo celebrating the island fox!

For more admission and Zoo information: www.lazoo.org

All programs and activities are included with Zoo membership or the price of admission. The Island Fox Festival is supported by GLAZA.

Catalina Island Fox - Tachi

Report From the Field, 4/22/06 - by Pat Meyer

Friends of the Island Fox traveled to Santa Catalina Island to participate in the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Earth Day celebration and the opening of their new Nature Center at Avalon Canyon.

The highlight of the day was meeting Tachi, Catalina Island Conservancy’s educational ambassador. This young female island fox plays an important role in enlightening people about this endangered species. Though incredibly cute, she is not a pet. While I was allowed to be photographed with Tachi, I was not allowed to get too close to her, or to touch her at all. She is handled only by the Catalina Island Conservancy biologists.

Tachi’s story:
Her full name is Ne Shun Tachi – “Our little girl of hope.” She was born in a litter that was neglected by their mother. It was determined very early in her life that she had an eye infection. She continued to have chronic eye infections and difficulty nursing from her foster mother, so she was returned to the Institute of Wildlife Studies’ veterinary clinic periodically. While receiving treatment, her eye opened and she became habituated to the humans that cared for her. Consequently Tachi was not able to be released into the wild with her siblings and has become an educational ambassador for her species.

Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. sends our appreciation to the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Chief Conservation and Education Officer, Carlos de la Rosa, and Ann Muscat, Chief Executive Officer, for their invitation to participate in their Earth Day celebration.

Spring population numbers are showing increases on all of the islands. There will be more captive fox pups who will need radio collars for release into the wild. Our motto is “Working Together To Save The Island Fox.” You can make a difference. Join us and our friends at the Catalina Island Conservancy as we strive to save the island fox from extinction.

About Friends of the Island Fox

Friends of the Island Fox is a program of the Channel Islands Park Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) charitable and educational corporation as designated by the Internal Revenue Service. FIF is a joint effort of conservation professionals and concerned private citizens striving to create public awareness about the endangered island fox and to raise funds to support education, research and conservation measures to ensure the island fox’s survival.

Friends of the Island Fox (FIF) was founded as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable and educational corporation in March, 2005. On January 1, 2011, FIF joined with the Channel Islands Park Foundation (www.ciparkfoundation.org) for the joint benefit of both organizations.

 FIF provides presentations to community groups and schools (K-college) regarding the island fox and its important relationship with the Channel Island ecosystem. School programs meet CA State Science Standards and address the Environmental Education Initiative (EEI). FIF also offers professional development workshops for educators on using a local endangered species and the Channel Islands to teach math, science, language skills and conservation issue resolution.

To reach us:

Friends of the Island Fox
c/o Channel Islands Park Foundation
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001

by phone: (805) 228-4123

e-mail: admin@islandfox.org

Program Administrators

Patricia M. Meyer, Island Fox Program Director
Born and educated in England, Pat immigrated to Canada, and then to the United States, settling in Los Angeles where she completed her MBA through the University of Redlands, California. Following employment in advertising and marketing, the remainder of her career was spent as Vice-President of Personnel and Administration for a nationwide property-casualty insurance company, handling all aspects of human resource management and the administration of the company’s five corporate offices. Pat founded Friends of the Island Fox in 2005 and served as its President until December 31, 2010. She continues to guide FIF’s activities and currently holds a position on the Channel Islands Park Foundation Board of Directors.

To Reach Pat Meyer regarding the Friends of the Island Fox Program school visits or community programs:
(805) 228-4123 or pat@islandfox.org


Keri F. Dearborn, Education Director
Keri is a California native. She earned her BA from the University of California, Los Angeles and received her MA in Environmental Education from CA State University San Bernardino in 2009. As well as developing conservation and educational materials and programs for a variety of non-profit organizations and private companies, she is a nonfiction writer and a contributing author for a number of textbooks, teachers’ guides, and state literacy tests. Keri served as V.P. of Education on the Friends of the Island Fox Board of Directors from 2005-2010 and continues to direct FIF’s educational programs.

To Reach Keri Dearborn regarding Friends of the Island Fox educational materials or programs:
(805) 228-4123 or islandfoxnews@gmail.com

Updated 1/10/11

Restoring Natural Balance - The Bald Eagle

First bald eagle hatched on northern Channel Islands in 51 years !

In March biologists spotted a bald eagle nest with an egg, on Santa Cruz Island.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2006, the egg hatched and the first bald eagle chick since 1949 chirpped to its parents on one of California’s northern Channel Islands. This is very exciting news not only for the bald eagle, but also for the island fox.

Bald eagles and island foxes lived together amicably on the Channel Islands for thousands of years. The bald eagle preyed primarily on fish, sea birds, and carrion, while the omnivorous fox hunted the islands’ small rodents, insects, and birds, and also foraged for a variety of native fruit. The two predators each had their own niche and played an important role in maintaining balance in the island ecosystem.

The delicate balance, however, was destroyed when the chemical insecticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) entered the marine food chain. Small sea life absorbed the DDT, they were eaten by fish, who in turn were eaten by the bald eagles. High levels of DDT in the bald eagles caused them to lay eggs with thin shells that cracked when the parents tried to hatch them.

The last successful bald eagle chick on the northern Channel Islands hatched on Anacapa in 1949.

Without the territorial bald eagle, the islands were open habitat for the golden eagle. Golden eagles migrated to the islands to hunt the large number of feral pigs on Santa Cruz Island. Preying mainly on mammals, the golden eagle next began hunting the island fox. In the late 1990’s predation by golden eagles nearly pushed the island fox to extinction on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz Islands.

In the last few years, over 40 golden eagles have been removed from the northern islands and relocated to the mainland. Since 2001, 46 young bald eagles have been returned to Santa Cruz Island. As the bald eagles have matured they have begun reclaiming the islands as their own.

With the hatching of this first youngster in April 2006, there is hope bald eagles will once again be able to make the northern Channel Islands their home. A successful return of the bald eagle would be a important step toward restoring the natural balance and making the islands safe again for the island fox.

(While bald eagles have also been reintroduced on Santa Catalina Island, DDT levels still remain high enough off Catalina that these eagles are unable to lay sufficiently-shelled eggs. On Catalina, bald eagle eggs are collected by biologists, incubated, and the chicks are then returned to the nest to be raised by their parents. Large quantities of DDT in barrels were dumped into the ocean off Palos Verdes Peninsula by Montrose Chemical Company in the 1950s and 60s. These unstable barrels continue to slowly release their toxic content into the ocean and there is no sign that bald eagles on Santa Catalina will be able to reproduce on their own for sometime into the future.)

Become a Fox Ambassador School!

This week Friends of the Island Fox launched its program for Fox Ambassador Schools.

Our organization representatives are going out to schools in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties to introduce school children to the island fox and its struggle for survival.

The island fox is a local California species and unique in the world. Its story includes the importance of balance in nature and is easily understood by children of all ages. Once children are aware of the fox's situation, they are eager to help and to take an empowered stance to help these endangered creatures.

We challenge the students in our Fox Ambassador Schools to find creative ways to help the island fox on three levels:

• by becoming an informed individual and learning about the island fox
  
• helping the fox directly through a project
  
• and reaching out in their community to increase public awareness
  

If your class or school is interested in making a difference and helping to save an endangered animal, contact Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. at islandfoxnews@gmail.com for more information about becoming a Fox Ambassador School.

Making Friends in the Community

Sunday March 4, 2006 Friends of the Island Fox attended the Ventura Harbor "Celebration of the Whales Festival". It was a lovely day and many people were interested in learning more about the island fox and the conservation efforts to save this endangered species.

The island fox needs all of us to help it survive into the future. We invite you to take action with us and help support island fox conservation.

Contact us for more information on how you can help the island fox.

Friends of the Island Fox in the Community

Conservation starts with education.

Sunday, March 5, from 11 AM - 5 PM, Friends of the Island Fox will be out at the "Celebration of the Whales Festival" at Channel Islands Harbor in Ventura.

The more you and your friends know about the island fox and the delicate Channel Island ecosystem, the more you can help by being their advocate.

The creatures of the sea and the shore are interconnected. Healthy islands and a healthy marine environment go hand in hand.

Come out and meet Friends of the Island Fox as we support whale conservation and increase awareness about the island fox. We will be raising funds to support our Education Program that visits schools and community groups.

For more information about the Whales Festival

RADIO COLLARS for 2006

Friends of the Island Fox , Inc. is proud to announce a gift of 10 radio collars to the island fox conservation efforts on the northern islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz.

As captive breeding successfully increases the number of foxes on the northern islands, there will be opportunities for more foxes to be released back into the wild. In addition, more fox pups are being born in the wild to parents that have been released. But each of these foxes has a special need – a radio collar.


Fox being radio collared for release.

Why do released foxes need radio collars?

The radio collar allows biologists to monitor these tiny canines in the wild. A radio signal that indicates a fox has stopped moving is the first indication of an animal in need or who has fallen victim to predation by a golden eagle. The earlier biologists can identify a specific threat from golden eagles, the earlier they can take action to protect foxes or recapture individuals in danger.

Photo by Jason Bean, Brooks Institute of Photography

Though radio collars can now last up to three years, each is a costly investment – $250 per collar.

Join us in our efforts to invest in the future for the island fox and make radio collars available for each island fox that has the opportunity to return to the wild. Your donation can make a difference for the island fox.