| 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. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70021921 |
| Citation Author: | Vargas, A.; Anderson, S. H. |
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| Citation End Page: | 269 |
| Citation Issue: | 1 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Journal of Mammalogy |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 7 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes); 1999; Article; Journal; Journal of Mammalogy; Vargas, A.; Anderson, S. H. |
| Citation Start Page: | 263 |
| Citation Volume: | 80 |
| Citation Year: | 1999 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes); 1999; Article; Journal; Journal of Mammalogy; Vargas, A.; Anderson, S. H. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Fri, 1 Jan 1999 00:00 -0600 |
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