Golden Eagle Predation on Endangered San Joaquin Kit Foxes

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) have been identified as a potential predator of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica), but only one case of such predation has been confirmed. In a recent study on San Joaquin kit foxes, we documented 6 cases of putative predation by Golden Eagle...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Western North American naturalist 2019-12, Vol.79 (4), p.566-573
Main Authors: Cypher, Brian L., Spencer, Kenneth A., Westall, Tory L., Meade, Daniel E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Aquila chrysaetos
Barley
Eagles
Foxes
Mortality
Nesting
Precipitation
Predation
Predation (Biology)
Skin
Vulpes macrotis mutica
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Summary:Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) have been identified as a potential predator of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica), but only one case of such predation has been confirmed. In a recent study on San Joaquin kit foxes, we documented 6 cases of putative predation by Golden Eagles on kit foxes and provided our evidence for each. Golden Eagle predation on kit foxes is most likely to occur in the spring when kit foxes and their pups are frequently aboveground during the day. Such predation is more likely to occur around the margins of the San Joaquin kit fox range, where suitable kit fox habitat abuts suitable nesting habitat for Golden Eagles.
ISSN:1527-0904
1944-8341
DOI:10.3398/064.079.0409