Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)
Journal of Mammalogy
By: Astrid Vargas and S.H. Anderson
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Abstract
We studied ontogeny of predatory skills of growing black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) raised under different captive conditions. To test effects of maturation, experience, and cage enrichment on predatory behavior, we exposed 70 juvenile black-footed ferrets to different numbers of live hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) throughout development. Both maturation and experience increased the likelihood of a black-footed ferret making a successful kill. Black-footed ferrets exposed to greater environmental complexity (enriched cage, including encouragement of food-searching behaviors) also were more likely to kill than ferrets raised in a deprived environment. Behavioral studies of captive-raised black-footed ferrets can help refine current breeding techniques and ultimately enhance efforts to recover this endangered carnivore.
Suggested Citation
Vargas, A., and Anderson, S., 1999, Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes): Journal of Mammalogy, v. 80, no. 1, p. 263-269.
ISSN: 1545-1542 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) |
| Series title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| First page | 263 |
| Last page | 269 |