thumbnail

Comparison of capture-recapture and visual count indices of prairie dog densities in black-footed ferret habitat

Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs
By:  and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) are dependent on prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) for food and on their burrows for shelter and rearing young. A stable prairie dog population may therefore be the most important factor determining the survival of ferrets. A rapid method of determining prairie dog density would be useful for assessing prairie dog density in colonies currently occupied by ferrets and for selecting prairie dog colonies in other areas for ferret translocation. This study showed that visual counts can provide a rapid density estimate. Visual counts of white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) were significantly correlated (r = 0.95) with mark-recapture population density estimates on two study areas near Meeteetse, Wyoming. Suggestions are given for use of visual counts.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Comparison of capture-recapture and visual count indices of prairie dog densities in black-footed ferret habitat
Series title Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs
Volume 8
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher Brigham Young University
Publisher location Provo, UT
Description 5 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs
First page 94
Last page 98
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details