FEASIBILITY AND STRATEGIES FOR TRANSLOCATING SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOXES TO VACANT OR RESTORED HABITATS PREPARED FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT CONSERVATION PROGRAM U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE SACRAMENTO, CA 95825 Prepared by: Samantha Bremner-Harrison and Brian L. Cypher California State University, Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program 1900 N. Gateway #101 Fresno, CA 93727 November 2007 FEASIBILITY AND STRATEGIES FOR REINTRODUCING SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOXES TO VACANT OR RESTORED HABITATS Samantha Bremner-Harrison and Brian L. Cypher California State University, Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................i 1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 1 2. Literature review of animal reintroductions and translocations ............................. 2 2.1. Introduction and definitions ............................................................................................. 2 2.2. Common issues associated with reintroduction programs............................................. 3 2.2.1. Expense....................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2.2. Available habitat ......................................................................................................................... 3 2.2.3. Available source animals ............................................................................................................ 4 2.2.4. Organizational problems ............................................................................................................. 4 2.2.5. Impact on local people ................................................................................................................ 5 2.2.6. Lack of Documentation............................................................................................................... 6 2.3. Conservation genetics ........................................................................................................ 7 2.4. Appropriate behavior skills............................................................................................... 9 2.5. Specific considerations essential for relocation planning ............................................. 10 2.5.1. General Translocation Criteria.................................................................................................. 10 2.5.2. Site selection criteria................................................................................................................. 11 2.5.3. Source populations and release animals.................................................................................... 12 2.5.4. Organization and permitting ..................................................................................................... 12 2.5.5. Financial aspects ....................................................................................................................... 12 2.5.6. Release strategies...................................................................................................................... 13 2.5.7. Monitoring Strategies................................................................................................................ 13 2.5.8. Success criteria.......................................................................................................................... 14 2.5.9. Factors influencing success....................................................................................................... 14 2.6. Case studies of previous carnivore reintroduction programs...................................... 15 2.6.1. Black-footed Ferret ................................................................................................................... 15 2.6.2. Mexican wolf ............................................................................................................................ 16 2.6.3. Red wolf.................................................................................................................................... 19 2.6.4. Canada Lynx ............................................................................................................................. 20 2.6.5. Channel Island Fox ................................................................................................................... 21 2.6.6. Swift fox ................................................................................................................................... 27 2.6.7. San Joaquin kit fox.................................................................................................................... 33 3. Technical considerations for kit fox Translocations................................................ 37 3.1. Site selection ..................................................................................................................... 37 3.1.1. Potential sites ............................................................................................................................ 41 3.2. Potential source animals.................................................................................................. 45 3.3. Strategies and Techniques............................................................................................... 46 i 3.3.1. Capture, transportation, and care methods................................................................................46 3.3.2. Release methods........................................................................................................................ 51 3.4. Post-Release monitoring.................................................................................................. 55 3.5. Success criteria ................................................................................................................. 56 3.5.1. Population structure: ................................................................................................................. 57 3.6. Regulatory requirements................................................................................................. 57 3.6.1. Endangered Species Act............................................................................................................ 58 3.6.2. California Endangered Species Act........................................................................................... 58 3.6.3. California Department of Fish and Game Authorizations......................................................... 58 3.6.4. National Environmental Policy Act .......................................................................................... 58 3.6.5. California Environmental Quality Act ...................................................................................... 58 3.6.6. Landowner permissions ............................................................................................................ 58 3.7. Potential funding sources ................................................................................................ 59 3.7.1. Central Valley Project Conservation Program.......................................................................... 59 3.7.2. Bureau of Reclamation South Central California Area Office.................................................. 59 3.7.3. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.................................................................................................. 59 3.7.4. California Department of Fish and Game ................................................................................. 59 3.7.5. U.S. Bureau of Land Management............................................................................................ 60 3.7.6. Conservation organizations....................................................................................................... 60 3.7.7. Foundations............................................................................................................................... 60 3.7.8. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation..................................................................................... 60 3.8. Technical group................................................................................................................ 60 4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT STEPS......................................................................... 61 4.1. Investigate suitable source populations and individuals .............................................. 61 4.2. Identify and evaluate potential reintroduction sites ..................................................... 61 4.2.1. Phase I....................................................................................................................................... 61 4.2.2. Phase II ..................................................................................................................................... 61 4.3. Assess agency support for a relocation effort................................................................ 62 4.4. Secure funding and cooperators for a relocation effort................................................ 62 4.5. Conduct a relocation effort ............................................................................................. 62 5. LITERATURE CITED.....................................................................................................