A small fox endemic to California's Channel Islands. Different subspecies on different islands — among the most isolated fox populations on Earth.

Also called: Island Fox

Native status: Native; endemic to California Channel Islands

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 48–60 cm (19–24 in); tail 11–29 cm
Weight1.4–2.5 kg (3–5.5 lb) — half the size of a mainland gray fox
LifespanWild 4–10 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyCanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The island fox is a small fox species that is endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. They evolved from their larger mainland gray fox ancestor and have diversified into six subspecies, each confined to its own island and all exhibiting insular dwarfism. Island foxes are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed. Island foxes have played an important role in the spiritual lives of native Channel Islanders. They were likely semi-domesticated as pets, for their pelts, or other functions, like pest control. Genetic and archaeological evidence suggests that the foxes arrived on the islands around 7,000 years ago, probably with the assistance of early human populations.

Source: Wikipedia — Island fox Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small gray fox with rusty flanks and white belly; black-tipped tail.

Similar species. Mainland Gray Fox (twice as large). No other small canids on Channel Islands.

Voice. Barks, growls, screams; quieter than mainland fox.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: insects, mice, lizards, birds, crabs, fruits (especially Manzanita), nuts.

Behavior. Six distinct subspecies on six different Channel Islands — each evolved in isolation for ~10,000+ years. Island Scrub-Jay and Channel Islands Fox are the two endemic vertebrates of the islands. Diurnal (vs. nocturnal mainland gray fox). The 1999 golden eagle invasion (replacing extirpated bald eagles) crashed populations to <100 individuals on some islands; emergency captive breeding and golden eagle removal allowed recovery — one of the fastest mammal recoveries in conservation history.

§ Range

Channel Islands, California

§ Habitat

Channel Islands habitats

§ Threats

Introduced predators, disease, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the channel islands fox is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support Channel Islands National Park. Donate to USFWS fox recovery programs.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Friends of the Island Fox
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • IUCN Red List 2016