Radio-telemetry for black-footed ferret research and monitoring

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2006

Author(s): Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, B.J. Miller, and L.R. Hanebury

Suggested Citation:
Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, B.J. Miller, and L.R. Hanebury. 2006. Radio-telemetry for black-footed ferret research and monitoring. In: Roelle, J.E., B.J. Miller, J.L. Godbey, and D.E. Biggins (eds.). Recovery of the black-footed ferret: progress and continuing challenges: proceedings of the symposium on the status of the Black-footed Ferret and its habitat, Ft. Collins, CO, Jan. 28-29, 2004. Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5293. : U.S. Geological Survey. 175-190 p.

Abstract

By 1973, radio telemetry was regarded as an important potential tool for studying the elusive, nocturnal, and semifossorial black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), but fears of using invasive techniques on this highly endangered mammal caused delays. We began radio collaring ferrets in 1981. Use of radio telemetry on ferrets proved to be both challenging and rewarding. We document two decades of development and use that lead to the present radio-tagging techniques and methods for radio tracking…