| Abstract: | Black-footed ferrets are considered one of the world‘s most endangered mammals. The last wild population was discovered in 1981 in Meteetsee, Wyoming, and, in 1985 it collapsed due to an epizootic of canine distemper in combination with sylvatic plague. Prior to the extinction of the last remnant population, 18 wild black-footed ferrets were captured to initiate captive propagation efforts. Captive breeding has been successful and, during the last 11 years, more than 2600 black-footed ferrets have been born in captive breeding centers. Since 1991, approximately 870 ferrets have been reintroduced in 5 areas located within the ferret‘s original geographic distribution, including sites in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona. Scientific research has been, and continues to be, a critical tool to direct recovery efforts. Studies in applied ethology conducted on captive and reintroduced ferret populations have demonstrated that a naturalistic captive environment, particularly during early developmental periods, enhances the expression of behaviors necessary for survival in nature. Ferrets raised in a naturalistic environment develop better predatory skills, are able to recognize prairie dog burrows as a home and shelter from predators, and are more physically fit. Results from these studies have been adapted into management strategies to help implement a more cost-effective road to black-footed ferret recovery. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70021158 |
| Citation Author: | Vargas, A.; Biggins, D.; Miller, B. |
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| Citation End Page: | 39 |
| Citation Issue: | 7 |
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| Citation Language: | Spanish |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Etologia |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 7 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Ethology applied to management of endagered species: The case of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) [Etologi??a aplicada al manejo de especies amenazadas: El caso del turo??n de patas negras (Mustela nigripes)]; 1999; Article; Journal; Etologia; Vargas, A.; Biggins, D.; Miller, B. |
| Citation Start Page: | 33 |
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| Citation Year: | 1999 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Ethology applied to management of endagered species: The case of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) [Etologi??a aplicada al manejo de especies amenazadas: El caso del turo??n de patas negras (Mustela nigripes)]; 1999; Article; Journal; Etologia; Vargas, A.; Biggins, D.; Miller, B. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Fri, 1 Jan 1999 00:00 -0600 |
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