I found ‘em! Kit foxes in eastern Utah, right where they were expected. And this is a tremendous relief.
The last few weeks I’ve been haunted by the ghost of field seasons past. Is my study design really appropriate for the questions I am asking and are my methods getting me the data I need? These are pretty significant issues to be questioning at this point in my investigation and the uncertainty has had me sweating.
My thesis work is focused on the biogeography and ecology of kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) at its northeast range edge in west-central Colorado and eastern Utah. Very little is known about the rare Southwest desert carnivore in this region even though it is listed as “endangered” by the state of Colorado and as a species of “special concern” by the state of Utah.

Above: Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis)
It is my aim to identify the current distribution of the species here and elucidate the ecological factors contributing to the patterns of occurrence observed. Extensive surveys were carried out in 2008 in areas where the species appears to be extremely rare. Additional surveys are needed in areas where the species has been sighted in recent years so that my research methods may be adequately tested.
My field research uses noninvasive detection methods (called “noninvasive” because they are assumed to have no or negligible impact on wildlife) to assess presence of kit foxes and other small and medium sized carnivore species in my study area. Tracks left on track-plates and hair left on hair snares tell me which species occur in my study area. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping they do!

Left: Track-plate box. Right: 2-in-1 hair snare, track-plate tunnel.
More method testing is needed to stop the hauntings by the ghost of field seasons past and gain confidence in data acquired (or not acquired) with my track-plate and hair snare stations. I really need to know how well my detection methods work so I know how to interpret my occurrence data.
Filed season 2009 has just begun and already I have many kit fox detections. Evidence my detection methods are working! Whew!

Above: Photo of a kit fox printed obtained in a track-plate box.
Eventually I will use the occurrence data gathered to improve our understanding of the ecological needs of the species and threats that contribute to its rarity.