In 1999, just 15 island foxes remained on each of two California islands; captive breeding and ecosystem restoration pulled the species back from extinction

In 1999, just 15 island foxes remained on each of two California islands; captive breeding and ecosystem restoration pulled the species back from extinction

In 1999, conservation biologists monitoring California’s northern Channel Islands faced a serious crisis. Only 15 island foxes remained on San Miguel Island and another 15 on nearby Santa Rosa Island, leaving the small native species close to extinction.