| 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. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70020404 |
| Citation Author: | Biggins, D. E.; Godbey, J. L.; Hanebury, L. R.; Luce, B.; Marinari, P. E.; Matchett, M. R.; Vargas, A. |
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| Citation End Page: | 653 |
| Citation Issue: | 2 SUPPL. |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Journal of Wildlife Management |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 11 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets; 1998; Article; Journal; Journal of Wildlife Management; Biggins, D. E.; Godbey, J. L.; Hanebury, L. R.; Luce, B.; Marinari, P. E.; Matchett, M. R.; Vargas, A. |
| Citation Start Page: | 643 |
| Citation Volume: | 62 |
| Citation Year: | 1998 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets; 1998; Article; Journal; Journal of Wildlife Management; Biggins, D. E.; Godbey, J. L.; Hanebury, L. R.; Luce, B.; Marinari, P. E.; Matchett, M. R.; Vargas, A. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Thu, 1 Jan 1998 00:00 -0600 |
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