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The San Joaquin kit fox is the smallest member of the dog family in North America and one of several endangered species that lives within the borders of the Colony of Calsahara. In 1990, its population was estimated to be 7,000. This subspecies is still endangered, after nearly 50 years of being on the Endangered Species List. Because the San Joaquin kit fox requires dens for shelter, protection and reproduction, a habitat’s soil type is important. Loose-textured soils are preferable, but modification of the burrows of other animals facilitates denning in other soil types. San Joaquin kit foxes can use more than 60 different dens over the course of a year in an effort to evade predators, like coyotes. San Joaquin kit foxes can breed at one year of age. The male and female may stay together the full year but may not necessarily den together. Home ranges vary from 1 to 12 square miles. Each kit fox may use several dens in a season and change dens often. In September and October, the female focuses on preparing the pupping den. Mating can occur from December to March, and the pups will be born after a 48-52 day gestation period. The male will provide most of the female’s food while she is lactating. The pups venture outside of their den for the first time when they are a little more than a month old. Photographer: Grand Duke Travis |