Island Foxes: Meet California's Smallest Canid

The island fox, scientifically known as Urocyon littoralis, is a small fox species that is native to six of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. These islands are known for their isolation, providing a perfect setting for the island fox to evolve into a distinct subspecies.
In the late 20th century, the Island Fox faced near-extinction due to human activities, introduced predators like the Golden Eagle, and diseases. By the 1990s, their numbers had plummeted dramatically, prompting urgent conservation efforts."

Intensive programs, including captive breeding, vaccination, and habitat restoration, have helped the foxes rebound. Today, the Island Fox is a testament to the power of conservation, having made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction.