The current range of the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) had been delimited. It extends north almost of Los Banos along the foothills of the western San Joaquin Valley and to about 20 miles south of Porterville on the eastern edge of the valley. The only extensive occurrence on the valley floor proper is in the southwestern portion wherever native vegetation remains. This kit fox is also found on the Carrizo Plain. The total range contains approximately 3,000 square miles of appropriate habitat. Population density estimates vary from 1 fox per square mile to 1 fox per 2.8 square miles. The total population is thought to number between 1000 and 3000 foxes. The major influence upon this kit fox's population decline has been the conversion of native habitat to agricultural and industrial development. Within the past 10 years there has been an estimated 34% reduction.in the amount of native habitat and it is assumed that this has resulted in a somewhat comparable reduction in the kit fox population.
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