Effects of experience and cage enrichment on predatory skills of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)
Journal of Mammalogy
By: A. 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.
| 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 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |