Portable Protective Shelter (PPS) Release Methodology - Swift Fox

Portable Protective Shelters (PPS) and Swift Fox Reintroduction

The Portable Protective Shelters (PPS), developed by the Cochrane Ecological Institute (CEI) and first introduced in Canada between 1993 and 1997, play a critical role in the successful reintroduction of swift foxes (Vulpes velox). These shelters are specifically designed to be placed over abandoned badger dens at selected release sites, offering immediate protection and a sense of familiarity for the animals.

During release operations, the swift foxes are initially housed in transport kennels positioned adjacent to the PPS (see illustration). Food and water are also provided nearby. This setup encourages the foxes to explore and ultimately adopt the PPS as a secure refuge in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.

A key factor in post-release survival is the availability of a protected and familiar space. The PPS provides such a space, significantly increasing the likelihood that reintroduced foxes will remain in the release area.

Release site selection in programs such as those conducted on Blackfeet and Blood (Kainai) lands is guided by the following criteria:

Jurisdictional Approval of the release site;
Pre-release Habitat Surveys, assessing predator presence, prey availability, and escape terrain;
Integration of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, ensuring cultural and ecological appropriateness.

The primary goal of any reintroduction effort is to encourage animals to remain in the release area and establish stable populations. The use of PPS has proven to be an effective strategy in meeting this objective.

Post-release monitoring of the Blackfeet swift fox reintroduction program, from the active reintroduction phase (1998–2002) through the follow-up period (2002–2005) showed high survival rates (75% among reintroduced adults) and strong breeding success. The swift fox population grew by 16% in 2003–2004 and 14% in 2004–2005.

According to D. Ausband’s 2005 Master’s thesis at the University of Montana, this growth, coupled with the observation of a breeding pair in Augusta, Montana, indicates the reintroduction effort was a clear success. As Ausband concludes:

"The Blackfeet Tribe has achieved its goal of restoring a culturally significant species to Tribal Lands and has initiated a resurgence of swift fox populations along the Rocky Mountain Front."

Hard Release

After experimenting with the release method developed by the Canadian government, the “hard release” method, see illustration “releasing a swift fox, Courtesy G. Scotter, Canadian Wildlife Service” which resulted in a less than 30% survival of swift fox released by South Dakota State Government, the Agency altered their reintroduction methodology to reflect the PPS method developed by CEI and used in the Blackfeet and Kainai Swift Fox reintroduction programmes. The modified reintroduction method used by the State Agency was to put imported, translocated swift fox down an abandoned badger hole and then cover the hole with chicken wire for a minimum of 48 hours. Survival success using this method increased from 30% (hard release method) to 60% using the modified PPS method (pers com SD State govt.)

Portable Protective Shelter (PPS) Release Methodology

The foxes remain in their kennels until they have recovered from the stress of transport. Then the kennel doors are opened and the foxes emerge from their transport kennels in their own time. Transport kennels and any uneaten food is removed after 7 hours. Some foxes enter the PPS immediately, some do not, but over the period following release ( five days) all reintroduced swift fox will use the PPS. PPS are removed from the reintroduction site after 10 days.

To find out more about the Swift Fox ReIntroduction programs and the work that CEI contributed towards these, or to view our published papers click the buttons below.

CEI Research

Portable Protective Shelter (PPS) Release Methodology - Swift Fox

Portable Protective Shelters (PPS) and Swift Fox Reintroduction

A key factor in post-release survival is the availability of a protected and familiar space. The PPS provides such a space, significantly increasing the likelihood that reintroduced foxes will remain in the release area.

Release site selection in programs such as those conducted on Blackfeet and Blood (Kainai) lands is guided by the following criteria:

Jurisdictional Approval of the release site;

Pre-release Habitat Surveys, assessing predator presence, prey availability, and escape terrain;

Integration of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, ensuring cultural and ecological appropriateness.

The primary goal of any reintroduction effort is to encourage animals to remain in the release area and establish stable populations. The use of PPS has proven to be an effective strategy in meeting this objective.

According to D. Ausband’s 2005 Master’s thesis at the University of Montana, this growth, coupled with the observation of a breeding pair in Augusta, Montana, indicates the reintroduction effort was a clear success. As Ausband concludes:

Hard Release

Portable Protective Shelter (PPS) Release Methodology

To find out more about the Swift Fox ReIntroduction programs and the work that CEI contributed towards these, or to view our published papers click the buttons below.