SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOX Vulpes macrotis mutica (Merriam) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: CANIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small desert dwelling fox, with buffy yellow coloration 

 over the body; tail black tipped; feet no darker than rest of body. Males weigh 5.0 pounds 

 and females 4.6 pounds. Similar to Nevada kit fox, but slightly larger. 



Present distribution : Foothills below 2,000 feet and areas of native vegetation on the west 

 side of San Joaquin Valley in Merced, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties, California. 



Former distribution : Drier parts of San Joaquin Valley from Tracy south. 



Status : Population low, natural range restricted; 34 percent reduction in habitat between 

 1960 and 1970 and trend continuing . Two million acres of habitat in 1970. 



Estimated numbers : Probably 1,000 to 3,000 animals altogether. One den per 2.07 square 

 miles in atriplen plant communities. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Average litter size four. Breeds during second year. 



Reasons for decline : Primarily, reduction of former rough, dry valley land habitats 

 to highly developed, irrigated agriculture. Susceptible to certain rodenticides , which 

 have been used in the area. Most recent threat comes from irresponsible use of "game 

 calls" to attract them to gunfire and illegal trapping. 



Protective measures already taken : Classed as rare by California Department of Fish 

 and Game . Life history study by California Department of Fish and Game under the 

 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program (P.R. project) in cooperation with Bureau 

 of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife completed. Taking and possession prohibited by State 

 law. Night hunting prohibited over much of this animals' range. 



Measures proposed : Continue efforts to re-establish fox on suitable areas. Designation 

 of Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve as an Ecological Reserve by action of the California 

 Fish and Game Commission. 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Grinnel, D. and L. 1937. Fur-bearing mammals of California . Univ. Calif. 



Press , 2 vols . 

 Laughrin, L. 1970. San Joaquin kit fox, its distribution and abundance. Calif. 



Dept. of Fish & Game, Wildlife Management Branch Admin. Report No. 70-2. 

 Morrell, S. 1971. Life history of the San Joaquin kit fox. Calif. Dept. of Fish & 



Game, Admin. Report. 

 . 1972. Life history of the San Joaquin kit fox. Calif. Dept. of Fish & 



Game, 58(3) : 162-174 . 



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