Looking Forward for Foxes

Conservancy biologists monitor Catalina Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) throughout the year, including vaccinating the endemic animals and collecting data during fox monitoring season. While this is of vital importance, it is also key to proactively protect this state- and federally-listed threatened species. With this is mind, Catalina Island Conservancy is creating the Catalina Island Fox Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and has been awarded a grant from California Department of Fish and Wildlife to optimize our conservation and management strategy.

“The HCP enables us to analyze our previous two decades of data to gain a better understanding of the biology, ecology, and risks to these amazing animals,” said Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen. “This information can help us determine improved management actions.”

The grant also provides additional funding to continue annual vaccinations and health checkups in order to protect the fox population, as well as determine how to more sustainably manage our Island resources.

The HCP stresses the importance of gathering Island stakeholders to inspire active participation in conservation efforts.

“Collaborating with stakeholders is an important process to discover how our community impacts foxes and their habitat so that we can consider ways to reduce or mitigate human impact,” added Hamblen. “The HCP provides the opportunity to look ahead to future Island projects and see the potential impact to foxes.”

With this plan and the continuation of our established wildlife conservation work, Conservancy biologists see a long, bright future for Catalina Island foxes.