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ESRP biologists are investigating many aspects of kit fox ecology including the effects of roads on kit fox populations, interactions with predators such as coyotes, and survival in urban and agricultural environments.
One of the most endangered animals in North America may now be on the road to recovery. Captive bred youngsters are reintroduced and monitored at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge where their habitat is being restored and protected.
Biologists are contributing to the recovery of several rare plants, including Bakersfield cactus, Kern mallow, and palmate-bracted bird's-beak by studying their demography, managing habitat, and collecting seeds for long-term storage.
ESRP biologists assisted the Fish and Wildlife Service in writing a recovery plan for 34 San Joaquin Valley species. They also are composing a recovery plan for vernal pools of California and southern Oregon and another for plants of the southern Sierra Nevada foothills.
ESRP is conducting research to determine cost-effective restoration techniques that can be applied to large expanses of retired agricultural lands. In addition, a native plant nursery is being maintained to amplify local genotypes of native plants and to provide seeds for experiments and restoration efforts.
Annual monitoring of two species of kangaroo rats is being conducted on the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. These granivorous rodents play important roles in desert ecosystems.
Biologists are investigating habitat use and population ecology of woodrats and black rats in Caswell Memorial State Park, to determine whether black rats are contributing to the population decline of woodrats.
This threatened species is being studied in the western Mojave Desert. Data gathered will lead to a better understanding of its habitat requirements and will provide better guidance for land acquisition and management.