The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets
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Abstract
We estimated minimum survival rates for 282 young-of-year, captive-reared, black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) reintroduced into prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. We used night surveys with spotlights to locate ferrets about 1 month and 9 months postrelease. We modeled minimum survival rates using gender, year, site, and 4 rearing methods. Minimum survival rates were highest (30% for 1 month, 20% for 9 months) for ferrets reared from early ages in outdoor pens with simulated prairie dog habitat; survival was lowest for cage-reared ferrets released without pen experience (11% for 1 month, 2% for 9 months). Rearing method and year influenced 1-month survival in a comparison of 3 levels of pen experience (pen rearing as defined above, transfer of kits from zoos to pen facilities at age 60-90 days, transfer at age >90 days) during releases in 1994-95 in Montana. Higher survival was associated with intensive management of coyotes (Canis latrans) in 1995. Survival was not different (P > 0.05) between sites or sexes, regardless of model. We recommend routine use of outdoor pens for prerelease conditioning of black-footed ferret kits.
Suggested Citation
Biggins, E., Godbey, J.L., Hanebury, L.R., Luce, B., Marinari, P.E., Matchett, M., and Vargas, A., 1998, The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 62, no. 2, p. 643-653, https://doi.org/10.2307/3802340.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.2307/3802340 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Midcontinent Regional Director's Office |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 643 |
| Last page | 653 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming |