Genetic Rescue for Rare Red Foxes?
Genomic Research Uncovers Options to Restore Lassen Red Fox Population
A rescue effort can take many forms – a life raft, a firehose, an airlift. For animals whose populations are in decline from inbreeding, genetics itself can be a lifesaver.
Genomic research led by the University of California, Davis, reveals clues about montane red foxes’ distant past that may prove critical to their future survival. The study, published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, examines the potential for genetic rescue to help restore populations of these mountain-dwelling red foxes. The research is especially relevant for the estimated 30 or fewer native red foxes living in the Lassen Peak region of California.
The study found that inbreeding is impacting the Lassen red fox population. Thousands of years ago – long before unregulated trapping and poison knocked back their populations in the 1890s and early 1900s—red foxes were not only abundant in these mountains, they were also more connected to neighboring foxes in Oregon, the Rocky Mountains and Washington Cascades than they are today. This positions them well for genetic rescue should managers decide to pursue it and reconnect the populations.