Distinctly Montana Magazine

In 1998, the Blackfeet reservation partnered with De- fenders of Wildlife to initiate Montana's first Swift Fox restoration program. Over six years, 123 Swift Fox were released. Brian Giddings, SFCT member and Furbearer Coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks esti- mates there are currently over 1,200 Swift Fox populating northeastern Montana, double the amount estimated from the 2005-2006 international population census. "We now consider the Swift Fox in north central Montana a source population for translocation within the state," said Gidding. "The populations size, survival rate, and distribution increased dramatically." The Swift Fox was removed from the candidate list of endangered species in 2001 thanks to the cooperative efforts of the SFCT. The success of the program has accom- plished more than returning a native species to its historic habitat. "Working together with different groups of diverse backgrounds helps to build trust that can spill over into ef- forts to restore other species," said Jonathan Proctor, Rocky Mountain Region Representative for Defenders of Wildlife. The Swift Fox is Montana's comeback kid though con- cerns remain, namely protecting its natural habitat and connecting the entirety of its Great Plains populations. "Their long-term genetic integrity and the fitness of the species depends on it," said Ryan Rauscher, biologist for Montana FWP. Fieldwork is underway in Montana to review species con- nectivity and habitat with results due in early 2012. The SFCT continues to meet and share Swift Fox data across the Great Plains into Canada with discussions to initiate an updated international species census. Montana has opened up the Swift Fox to limited trapping and that data assists in monitoring the health of the species. As Jonathan Proctor says, "We all want to make this ani- mals future brighter. It's truly a success story for imperiled species." Kim Ibes lives and writes in Bozeman. She's a fourth-generation Montanan with her roots firmly planted in Big Sky Country. Growing up east of the mountains deep in the heart of Montana's great plains and living at the base of Montana's Rocky Mountains has served to deepen her love for Montana and broad- ened her perspective on the diversity, untamed beauty, and individuality that this great state has to offer. 26 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011

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