Potential habitat and carrying capacity of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes in an urban environment: implications for conservation and recovery

The San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica; SJKF) is federally endangered due to profound habitat loss. A population of SJKF occurs in the urban environment city Bakersfield, California, and may be important for conservation. We conducted a systematic survey using automated camera stations occupancy analysis identify suitable Bakersfield estimate conceptual carrying capacity environment. identified high, medium, low suitability totaling 121 km2, 196 40 respectively. Based on mean home range size 0.78 km2 an assumption two adults high ranges one adult medium ranges, we estimated 561 foxes. This seems plausible as number was 381 2015, foxes already had been reduced by sarcoptic mange epidemic that began years earlier. would increase range-wide much 38%. Adult density estimates derived based (1.57/km2) (2.56/km2) were higher than natural habitats. substantial therefore could contribute significantly conservation recovery efforts SJKF. Given our results, potential strategy encourage or even establish additional populations.