Coyote control to protect endangered San Joaquin kit foxes at the Naval Petroleum Reserves, California
Conference
·
OSTI ID:5453227
Coyote (Canis latrans) predation is the primary cause of mortality for endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) at the Naval Petroleum Reserves in California (NPRC). Between 1980 and 1985, the kit fox population on NPRC declined approximately 66% while an increase in coyote abundance was noted. From 1985 to 1990, the US Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored a program to kill coyotes with the objective being to reduce predation on kit foxes and increase fox numbers. During the 5-year effort, 591 coyotes were killed by trapping, shooting, denning, and aerial gunning. Although scent-station indices indicated that coyote abundance declined during the period of control, the contribution of the control effort to this decline is unclear. Kit fox capture indices did not increase after control was initiated. Also, fox survival rates did not increase. The number of coyotes removed annually may not have been sufficient to effectively reduce coyote abundance. Food availability probably was the primary factor influencing the population dynamics of both predators. Control efforts have been deferred pending further consideration of the merits of control and its potential efficacy at NPRC.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Energy Measurements, Inc., Tupman, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-88NV10617
- OSTI ID:
- 5453227
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-10617-2130; CONF-9203109--1; ON: DE92010485
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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