Are Canadian foxes swift enough?

Abstract

In 1983, the swift fox Vulpes velox was reintroduced to the Canadian prairie, after an absence of 45 years. We counter recent criticism of our efforts by Stromberg & Boyce (1986). Our initial breeding stock originated from Colorado and South Dakota. From those animals we have developed a successful captive breeding programme in Canada. The goal of our captive breeding programme is to maximise genetic heterogeneity. Once animals are released, natural selection over subsequent generations will produce locally adapted genotypes. Contrary to Stromberg and Boyce, we feel that our reintroduction programme is based on principles of sound genetic management. We do not believe that our efforts will diminish the genetic composition of what appears to be rare populations of swift fox in the northern United States.