return of the swift fox
TRANSCRIPT
Return of theSwift Fox
A new beginning on the short grass prairie
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STUDY GUÏDENational OfficeFilm Board national du filmof Canada du Canada
Introduction
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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
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