Natural History

This chapter highlights the natural history of San Joaquin kit foxes, noting many similarities to other kit foxes and closely related swift foxes. The chapter draws from studies, reports, and observations specific to San Joaquin kit foxes, with supplementary data from other kit fox populations when needed. The San Joaquin kit fox's range is geographically isolated, confined to the San Joaquin Desert in central California, and significantly smaller than that of other kit foxes. The chapter covers their limited habitat preferences that distinguish them from more widespread North American foxes like red and gray foxes. This restricted range and habitat specificity have contributed to their rarity and current federal endangered status, exacerbated by contemporary habitat loss.