The saga of the
little Catalina Island fox continues on Catalina Island with many
success stories– however the struggle for survival is not easy.
As
of the close of 2005, an estimated 416 Catalina Island foxes once again
roamed free on the Island while their numbers continue to grow after
their bout with canine distemper virus, and their remarkable recovery
with the aid of the Conservancy and its partners.
But
now, mysterious ear tumors, usually fatal, have shown up in many of the
original canine distemper virus survivors. Surgery is sometimes
possible; however it only buys the fox time before a long painful
demise. Thirty-seven cases have been confirmed since 2001, with 14 new
cases confirmed in 2005.
The
Conservancy and its partners are working hard to understand this
disease and, eventually, to find a cure – and for the other challenges
facing the Catalina fox population. Attacks by dogs have resulted in
several fatalities. In the past 12 months, seven foxes have died as a
result of being struck by vehicles along Island interior roads.
Weekly
monitoring of the fox population continues on the ground and also in
the air, thanks to our volunteer pilots. An expansion of the
Conservancy’s Pet Policy will instruct owners as to needed vaccination
and pet controls to help us save our foxes. A digital speed indicator
has been installed along roads known to be riskiest to foxes to help
remind drivers to control their speed in the interior.
The
Conservancy would like to thank all Corsair Yacht Club members who are
Conservancy members for their generous support. Did you know that 100%
of all your donations support Conservancy education, recreation or
conservation programs such as the Catalina Island fox?
For
information on how to join on line, make a donation for Island fox
research or any of the Catalina Island Conservancy's projects, please
call (310) 510 2595 ext 114, or log onto www.catalinaconservancy.org.
Corsair Yacht Club is NOW Featured
on the Commemorative Window
at the New Nature Center at Avalon Canyon
The next time you venture into Avalon you might want to visit the new Catalina
Island Conservancy Nature Center at Avalon Canyon located at 1202 Avalon
Canyon Road just down the road from the Wrigley Memorial and Garden. It
occupies the site of the old Interpretive Center, built by the Los Angeles
County Department of Parks & Recreation, originally created to tell the story
of the natural history of the Island.
Once there, you'll not only get to see a "window" into Catalina's beautiful interior and the work of the Conservancy. you'll also see a very special window thanking the Corsair Yacht Club for hosting the Conservancy Ball in
2004. "The yacht clubs that have hosted the Ball over the years have played a very special role in the support and growth of the Conservancy's conservation and
education programs, including the addition of our new Nature Center," said Ann
Muscat, President and CEO. "That's why we wanted to highlight their
achievements with this special display."
The new Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, joins the existing Nature Center at Airport-in-the-Sky, featuring self-guided exhibits, hands-on activities for kids, a Resource Center, and events such as the popular Evening Nature Program
lecture series.
Also, to better serve its constituents, the Conservancy has moved the Education Department, previously located at the Airport-in-the-Sky, into offices at the new Nature Center.
For information on how to make a donation to the Conservancy, volunteer your
time, or to become a member, please call (310) 510-2595 ext. 114, or log onto
http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/