The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has reached a significant goal in conservation science by gaining the ability to study more closely the behavioral patterns of the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) in the southern Sierra Nevada. The Department\u2019s capacity to closely track the fox\u2019s movements is a critical step toward understanding and protecting one of California\u2019s rarest and most elusive native carnivores.<\/p>\n
Due to their rarity, Sierra Nevada red foxes in California are protected as a Threatened Species under the California Endangered Species Act. The population in the Sierra Nevada has additional federal protection, considered an Endangered Species under the federal Endangered Species Act.<\/p>\n
The January capture, which occurred near Mammoth Lakes and was conducted by biologists from the CDFW Bishop Field Office, marks the first time the Department has captured, fitted with a GPS-tracking collar and released a Sierra Nevada red fox in the Sierra Nevada.<\/p>\n
The foxes in the Sierra Nevada are isolated from their relatives in the Cascade Range, and the movements and behavior of this collared fox will offer scientists a rare opportunity to better understand the ecology and conservation needs of this remote group.<\/p>\n
The Sierra Nevada population is estimated to be fewer than 50 individuals. The species is typically extremely wary of humans and inhabits barren, rugged terrain at high elevations. Cautious behavior, remote habitat and low-density populations make them extremely difficult to find and capture, making this a noteworthy event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis represents the culmination of\u00a010\u00a0years of remote camera and\u00a0scat\u00a0surveys to determine the\u00a0range\u00a0of the fox\u00a0in the southern Sierra, and three years of intensive trapping efforts,\u201d said CDFW Environmental\u00a0Scientist\u00a0Julia Lawson.\u00a0\u201cEveryone on the team was\u00a0thrilled to see our hard\u00a0work pay off.\u00a0Our\u00a0goal is to\u00a0use\u00a0what we learn from this collared animal to work toward recovering the population\u00a0in the long term.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Location data from the GPS collar and biological samples obtained during the capture of this animal are important management and research tools to help increase CDFW\u2019s understanding of the species, directly support its protection and aid in increasing the efficiency of future capture and survey efforts.<\/p>\n