Conservation of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica, on the Naval Petroleum Reserves, California
Studies were performed to assess the possible impacts of increased production activities on the San Joaquin kit fox population inhabiting the US Department of Energy's Naval Petroleum Reserves in western Kern County, California, and to develop guidelines to lessen negative effects. Densities of breeding adults were between 1 and 2 pairs per 260 hectares. Relative abundance of fox, indicated by density of dens, was negatively correlated with increasing intensity of development, indicated by density of oil wells. About 75% of the puppies died within 7 months of their births; only 4 to 5% reached sexual maturity at 22 months of age. Most puppies remained within the denning ranges of their parents. Kit fox that dispersed more than 5 km died before they could establish new home ranges. Predation by coyotes, Canis latrans, was the greatest source of mortality; human activities, such as vehicle accidents, caused only 10% of the known deaths. Destruction of dens, and excessive removal of vegetation resulting in reduced prey populations, posed the greatest threats to kit fox. Conservation procedures included: preconstruction surveys to eliminate destruction of major dens; reducing off-road-vehicle travel; minimizing habitat destruction associated with construction projects; restoration of habitat through enhanced natural revegetation; and surveys to determine prey base, density, reproduction, sources of mortality and dispersal patterns of resident kit fox.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G, Inc., Goleta, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-76NV01183
- OSTI ID:
- 5307840
- Report Number(s):
- S-183-TP; CONF-820817-1; ON: DE82014645
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 3. international thereological congress, Helsinki, Finland, 15 Aug 1982; Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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