Archaeogenomics and Conservation of the Endangered Island Fox

One of the greatest environmental impacts of ancient people was the introduction of both domestic and wild species to non-native habitats. Using ancient DNA and high throughput sequencing methods, we are investigating possible ancient human translocation of the endangered island fox (Urocyon littoralis) on California’s Channel Islands. The Channel Islands contain some of the earliest human occupations in coastal North America at 13,000 cal BP and contained some of the most populous hunter-gather groups in the world with extensive trade networks between the islands and mainland.  Our recent archaeogenomic results may support the introduction of island foxes by human translocation. Island foxes are endangered and recently underwent a population collapse followed by a successful captive breeding program. Examining historical patterns of genetic variation in the island fox using an archaegenomic approach can serve as a model to improve knowledge of ancient translocations and inform future management decisions.