Nighttime aboveground movements by prairie dogs on colonies inhabited by black-footed ferrets

Western North American Naturalist
By: , and 

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Abstract

We describe observations of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) emerging aboveground at night, apparently in response to wild-born and captive-born black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) in South Dakota and New Mexico, respectively. We also discuss other similar observations accumulated on black-tailed prairie dog colonies as well as observations of white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) making nighttime movements, apparently in response to pre-reintroduction ferrets in Wyoming. Our observations suggest that, in addition to documented daytime defenses against ferrets, prairie dogs reduce vulnerability to predation by ferrets by using evasive movements at night.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Nighttime aboveground movements by prairie dogs on colonies inhabited by black-footed ferrets
Series title Western North American Naturalist
Volume 70
Issue 2
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description Article 18; 5 p.
First page 261
Last page 265
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