Return of theSwift Fox

A new beginning on the short grass prairie

i; •' ? •'• /'; • 4 ' f

STUDY GUÏDENational OfficeFilm Board national du filmof Canada du Canada

Introduction

.?•/•

The name Swift Fox(Vulpes velox)describes thespeed and agility ofthis shy, small andnocturnal creature.Weighing between

1.8 and 2.7 kg (4 to 6 Ibs.) on average, theSwift Fox is one of the smaller foxesfrequently called "lesser foxes." It is thesmallest member of the dog family (Canidae)in North America. It is related to severallarger species, the Arctic Fox, the Blue Fox,the Red Fox, and the Grey Fox.

Gold, tan and grey colours of its coatblend well with the earthy tones of the arid,sunbleached, short grass prairies. Charac-teristic field markings are a black spot oneither side of the snout and a blacktippedtail. The size of a large house cat, it has

Grassland Communitiesof Western Canada

| Short grass plains Regina

YA True prairie - fescue grasslands

been observed running rapidly in onedirection - to jump up in the air - turn around- and land running, seemingly as fast in theother direction.

The Swift Fox inhabits grasslands,plains and dry foothills. The traditional rangeof the animal in Canada extends fromsoutheastern Alberta through southernSaskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba.

Little precise information is availableabout Swift Fox habits in the wild. The SwiftFox is known to subsist on a diet of mice,ground squirrels, insects and some fruits.Swift Fox spend most of their time during theday beneath the ground. They live in anelaborate series of underground burrowswhich protect them from the extremes ofcold and heat as well as predators. Its yearround attachment to a den sets the Swift Foxapart from other Canadian canids whichuse dens only for a few months when theyraise pups.

Disappearance of the Swift Fox camesoon after European settlement of theprairies. In 1867, the Palliser Expeditionforged west from the Red River in southernManitoba. Explorers were followed bysettlers, who poured onto the prairies,secure in the belief that the land was theirs.Conquest was rapid as they poisoned,trapped and plowed away the nativecreatures. Within 30 years, the plains grizzlywas gone and so were most of the wolvesand bison. When the large animals haddisappeared, smaller animals became

targets. Coyotes, ground squirrels, prairiedogs and the little Swift Fox were among theinnocent victims. Because of this, the SwiftFox has been extirpated in Canada since the1930's. The last Canadian sighting of thisdiminutive fox was in southern Alberta in

1938. A few remaining populations survivedin areas of Colorado, South Dakota and

Texas where, along with the Kit Fox (Vulpesmacrotis), they struggled to survive on anever-dwindling range.

Swift Fox populations surviving inTexas, Kansas and Colorado have been usedto provide the first captive breeding pairs fora reintroduction program in Canada. In

1973, four Swift Fox: Napoleon andJosephine, Nelson and Emma, werebrought to the Smeeton ranch near Calgary.Ten years later, in 1983, the first release oftheir descendants occurred near

Manyberries in southeastern Alberta.From the beginning, a "slow release"

method has been the reintroduction method.Rather than just dump foxes into a com-pletely foreign environment and force themto fend for themselves (referred to as a"hard release"), the animals are transferredin pairs to pens located on the reintroductionsite about a year before their scheduledrelease. They are fed for the whole year, thisallows the foxes to become familiar with theirnew environment, and the animals are lesslikely to stray when they are finally released.

Glossary

Endangered: Any indigenous flora or faunawhose existence is threatened withimmediate extinction due to theactions of people.

Extinct: Any species of flora or faunaformerly indigenous to Canada nolonger existing elsewhere.

Extirpated: Any indigenous species of floraand fauna no longer existing in an areain the wild but existing elsewhere.

I.U.C.N.: International Union for theConservation of Nature and NaturalResources. The Organization monitorsprograms world-wide.

Rare: When used to describe wild speciesmeans that small world populationshave been noted over a scatteredterritory. When used to describeendangered domestic breeds meansthat fewer than 200 registrations arerecorded.

Threatened: Any indigenous species offauna or flora that is likely to becomeendangered if factors affecting itsvulnerability are not reversed.

Endangered SpeciesIn Canada(Partial list, based on information produced by The Committee on theStatus of Endangered Wildlife inCanada (COSEWIC), June 1988)

MAMMALS

ExtinctDawson CaribouSea Mink

ExtirpatedAtlantic Gray WhaleBlack Footed FerretSwift Fox

EndangeredEastern CougarRight WhaleOtter

ThreatenedPeary CaribouWood BisonPrairie Long-taileBeluga Whale

RareBlack-tailed Prairie DogBlue WhaleGrey FoxPlains Pocket GopherSpotted BatWestern Woodland CaribouWolverine

BIRDS

ExtinctGreat AukPassenger Pigeon

EndangeredEskimo CurlewPiping Plover .Whooping CraneGreater Prairie Chicken

Threatened•'Burrowing OwlFerruginous HawkLoggerheadRoseate Tern

RareBarn OwlCaspian TernGreat Grey OwlEastern BluebirdIvory GullRoss's GullTrumpeter Swan

FISH/REPTILES

ExtinctBlue Walleye

ExtirpatedGravel ChubPaddlefish

EndangeredAurora TroutLeatherback Turtle

ThreatenedCopper RedhorseShWieffisculpin

louth ShinerSilver ChuePacific SardineFowler's Toad

PLANTS

ExtirpatedBlue-Eyed Mary

Endangered-Small White Lady's

Sea SlipperPink Milkwort

ThreatenedBlue AshGinsengMosquito FernRed MulberryTyrell's Willow

RarePrairie RoseSoapweedWhite-fringed OrchidHop Tree

Questions forDiscussionThe following questions are provided tostimulate discussion. These questions areanswered in part by the film, although furtherresearch may be required.

Tl. What factors contributed to thedisappearance of the Swift Fox from theCanadian Prairies by the 1940's?

T2. What other endangered species areshown in the film? In what way mightpreserving the Swift Fox benefit thosespecies?

T3. Explain what is meant by a soft release.Compare the advantages anddisadvantages of a soft release and ahard release.

T4. What was the major predator of theSwift Fox? In order to ensure thesuccess of the reintroduction program,should the predatory species beeliminated in the area of the releaseprogram?

T5. Should zoos be used to protect thegene pools of endangered species?

Discussion Project-Role ModellingA piece of short grass prairie farmland hasbecome the source of discussion, differentgroups would like to see the area used fordifferent purposes. The land, which has agood population of sharp-tailed grouse, couldbe used as a community pasture for cattle.An unused road allowance running through itcould be developed to provide a shorterroute between two small towns. Thisproperty has been identified by a dirt bikeriders' association as a desirable location toconstruct a trail system. A local conservationgroup has asked that it be kept in its naturalstate and possibly used to establishextirpated species native to the short grassprairie. An environmental assessment of thearea by scientists revealed that it would bean ideal habitat for Swift Fox.

Method:Tl. Divide the class into six groups, each

group taking a different role.

Farmers: you are trying to make thebest economic use of land and wouldlike to see it used to pasture yourcattle.

Conservationists: private citizens,concerned and committed to preservingthe environment, you would like to seethe Swift Fox returned to this habitat.

Hunters: you have been using this areafor grouse and rabbit hunting for yearsand would like to see it continue.

Dirt Bike Riders: you want an ex-tended trail system for riding.

Town Councillors: you want the road tobe built as it will provide better accessto your town.

Politicians: party in power, (Minister ofNatural Resources or Environment andadvisors), you are being pressured byfarmers, conservationists, huntergroups to direct limited resources intheir respective directions.

T2. Each group brainstorms to determineits position.

T3. Select a spokesperson for each group.

T4. Farmers, Conservationists, Hunters,Bike Riders, and Town Councillors eachmake a presentation to the Politiciansrequesting the use they would like tosee for the land using argumentssupporting their point of view.

T5. Politicians make a decision, andallocate resources to support theproject. Justify the position taken.

T6. Have a class discussion regarding thisprocess and the reaction of individualsto positions stated.

Topics for ResearchTl. Identify factors of climate and geology

associated with the grasslandecosystem. Draw a food chain for theshortgrass prairie, including the SwiftFox. Do the same thing for the area inwhich you live. Draw a food chainIncluding an endangered species thatcould live in your area.

T2. List the special adaptations of the SwiftFox to its ecosystem. Research and listthe special adaptations of other foxspecies, such as the Arctic Fox and RedFox, to different ecosystems.

T3. Determine what efforts are being madeto protect endangered habitats andspecies in your province or state; inyour country; in the world.

T4. List the potential uses of wild flora andwild fauna for agriculture,biotechnology, and recreation.

T5. Compare the economic value of nativeecosystems to converted systems.

T6. Describe the philosophy of conservationand animal rights evident in yourcommunity or province, compare it toyour own personal philosophy.

T7. Suggest types of wildlife and wildhabitat that would be best suited forreclamation purposes. List factors thatmust be considered when attempting toestablish parts of an ecosystem.

Suggestionsfor ActionVI. Find out about conservation projects in

your area. Read about environmentalissues. Subscribe to periodicals thatfeature wildlife or nature.

T2. Visit a sanctuary, natural park, or otherplace where you may observe wildlife.

T3. Set up a bird feeder. Keep records ofthe birds that visit it.

T4. Join a naturalist or conservation group.

T5. Donate money to help in wildlifeconservation.

T6. Participate in a river bank clean up,organize or participate in cleaning upyour neighbourhood or school yard.

T7. Volunteer your time to help in a naturecentre.

T8. Participate in a bird count. Christmasbird counts take place at many centresin North America. Records are used tomonitor the status of species locally,nationally and internationally.

FilmographyRelated films available through theNational Film Board

Contributing:Atonement (Title)0170 600 (Film Number)

A Great White Bird0176 615

Herbicide Trials0184 051

The Intertidal Zone0185040

Land Above the Trees0188 013

Rivers to the Sea0189 01?

Trouble in the Forest0188 078

Wild in the City0185 039

Supporting:Acid Rain:A North American Challenge0188 058

Acid Rain: Requiem or Recovery0181 527

Below the Ramparts0179 311

The Biosphere0179 085

A Crowded Wilderness0172 090

Estuary0179 174

The Fragile Mountain0182 123

Freshwater World0174 615

The Great Buffalo Saga0185 560

High Arctic: Life on the Land0158 035

The Temperature Rain Forest0183 002

Tomorrow's Salmon0176 563

The Underlying Threat0189 028

World in a Marsh0156 004

See the Film and Video Cataloguepublished by the National Film Boardof Canada for a complete listing offilms. Contact your local office.

ContactsAmerican Assoc. of Zoological Parksand Aquariums, Ogle Bay Park,Wheeling, West Virginia,USA 26003

Alberta Dept. of Energy and NaturalResources, Fish and Wildlife DivisionMain Floor, North Tower,Petroleum Plaza9945-108th StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5K 2C6

British Columbia Ministry ofEnvironment, Wildlife BranchParliament BuildingsVictoria, British Columbia V8V 1X5

Canadian Nature Federation453 Sussex DriveOttawa, Ontario KIN 9Z9

Canadian Wildlife Federation1673 Carling AvenueOttawa, Ontario K2A 3Z1

Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment CanadaOttawa, Ontario K1A OE7

Govt. of Northwest TerritoriesConservation Education,Scotia Centre, Yellowknife,Northwest Territories X1A 2L9

IUCN SecretariatWorld Conservation CentreAvenue du Mont Blanc, CH1196Gland, Switzerland

Joywind Farm Rare BreedsConservancy Inc., R.R. # 4Marmora, Ontario KOK 2MO

Manitoba Dept. of Natural ResourcesBox 24, 1495 St. James StreetWinnipeg, Manitoba R3H OW9

New Brunswick Dept. of NaturalResources, Fish and Wildlife BranchP.O. Box 6000Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1

Newfoundland-Labrador Dept. ofCulture, Recreation, and YouthWildlife DivisionBuilding 810. P.O. Box 4750Pleasantville St. John's,Newfoundland A1C 5T7

Nova Scotia Dept. of Lands andForests, P.O. Box 68Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5B8

Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources, Whitney BlockQueen's Park,Toronto, Ontario M7A 1W3

Prince Edward Island Dept. ofCommunity and Cultural AffairsP.O. Box 2703, Charlottetown,Prince Edward Island CIA 7N8

Quebec Dept. of Recreation,Hunting and Fishing150 Saint-Cyrille Boulevard EastQuebec City, Quebec G1R 4Y1

Saskatchewan Dept. of Parks andRenewable ResourcesWildlife Branch, 3211 Albert StreetRegina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6

World Wildlife Fund Canada60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 201Toronto, Ontario M4T 1N5

Yukon Dept. of Renewable ResourcesP.O. Box 2703, Whitehorse,Yukon Y1A 2C6

ReferencesResources for Schools:Andrews, William A., InvestigatingTerrestrial Ecosystems, Prentice Hall,1986.

Biological Sciences Curriculum Study,Biological Sciences, An EcologicalApproach, 4th Edition, Rand McNally,1980.

Operation Lifeline, World WildlifeFund and Canada Life AssuranceCompany, 1987.

Roberts, Douglas A. (éd.),Interdependence of Living Things,OISE Press, 1985.

Smith, Robert Leo, Ecology and FieldBiology, Revised Edition, Harper andRow, 1977.

Smith, Robert Leo, Elements ofEcology, 2nd Edition, Harper andRow, 1986.

University of British ColumbiaAssociation for Values Education andResearch, Ecology, OISE Press,1980. (Teacher's manual andstudent's workbook available)

Resources for Community:Rtion, Fern L, The Importance ofWildlife to Canadians: An ExecutiveOverview of the RecreationalSignificance of Wildlife, CanadianWildlife Service, EnvironmentCanada. 1985.

Green, Jeffrey E., Methods forReclamation of Wildlife Habitat in theCanadian Prairie Provinces, DeltaEnvironmental Management Group,Calgary Alberta, 1987.

Hanson, Philip (éd.), EnvironmentalEthics: Philosophical and PolicyPerspectives, Institute for theHumanities Publications, SFU, 1987.

Hinrichsen, Don, Our CommonFuture: A Reader's Guide, EarthscanPublications, 1987.

Holroyd, G.L. (éd.) et al, EndangeredSpecies in the Prairie Provinces,Alberta Culture/Provincial Museumof Alberta, 1987.

Livingston, John A., The Fallacy ofWildlife Conservation, McClellandand Stewart, 1981.

Perrings, Charles, Economy andEnvironment, Cambridge UniversityPress, 1987.

Rolston III, Holmes, Philosophy GoneWild: Essays in Environmental Ethics,Prometheus Books, 1986.

Survival in a Threatened World/Submission by the People of Canadato the World Commission onEnvironment and Development,Environment Canada, 1986.

The Status of Wildlife Habitat inCanada: Problems, Issues andOpportunities, Wildlife HabitatCanada, 1986.

World Commission on Environmentand Development, Gro Bruntland,chairperson, Our Common Future,Oxford University Press, 1987.

Magazine Resources:Canadian GeographicCanadian HeritageEquinoxHarrowsmithNature CanadaOwlProbe Post

National FilmBoard ofCanadaNational Film Board of Canada1572 Burrington StreetHalifax, Nova ScotiaB3J 1Z6(902)426-6001

National Film Board of CanadaComplexe Guy FavreauEast Tower, Room 005200 René Lévesque Blvd. W.Montreal, QuebecH2Z 1X4(514) 283-4824

National Film Board of CanadaMackenzie Building1 Lombard StreetToronto, OntarioM5C 1J6(416) 973-9110

National Film Board of Canada245 Main StreetWinnipeg, ManitobaR3C 1A7(204) 983-4131

National Film Board of CanadaCanada Place120-9700 Jasper AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 4C3(403) 495-3010

National Film Board of Canada100-1045 Howe StreetVancouver, British ColumbiaV6Z2B1(604) 666-0716

National OfficeFilm Board national du filmof Canada du Canada

National OfficeFilm Board national du filmof Canada du Canada