Island fox

/ˈaɪlənd fˈɒks/

/ˈaɪlənd fˈɑːks/

Island fox

a small fox endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. It is a subspecies of the gray fox, and is notable for its diminutive size.

What is a "island fox"?

The island fox is a small carnivorous mammal that is native to the Channel Islands of California. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only 3-5 pounds on average, making it one of the smallest wild canids in North America. The island fox has a distinctive appearance, with a thick coat that comes in various color morphs, including gray, brown, and black, often with unique markings on its face, ears, and tail. These foxes have adapted to the unique environments of the Channel Islands and have evolved into different subspecies on each island, resulting in some level of genetic and physical diversity among populations. Island foxes are known for their ability to adapt to the island ecosystems, their resourcefulness in finding food, and their unique behaviors, making them a fascinating species to study and conserve.

Examples

1. The dwarf island fox, which is four- to six- pounds, the size of a small cat, through the principles of modern biogeography which will either make an animal larger or smaller depending on its availability of food resources and its niche.