Monitoring black-footed ferrets during reestablishment of free-ranging populations: Discussion of alternative methods and recommended minimum standards

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2006

Author(s): Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, M.R. Matchett, L.R. Hanebury, T.M. Livieri, and P.E. Marinari

Suggested Citation:
Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, M.R. Matchett, L.R. Hanebury, T.M. Livieri, and P.E. Marinari. 2006. Monitoring black-footed ferrets during reestablishment of free-ranging populations: Discussion of alternative methods and recommended minimum standards. 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, Fort Collins, CO, January 28-29, 2004. Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5293. : U.S. Geological Survey. 155-163 p.

Abstract

Although the monitoring of black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) populations following reintroductions has not been haphazard, several ferret recovery groups since 1994 have recommended development of uniform standards prescribing minimum methods, intensities, and frequencies of monitoring that would provide data on population size, mortally rates, and recruitment. Such standards would promote comparability of data among sites, document expectations for those who will attempt to establish new populations, and allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other responsible groups to better assess progress made toward achieving recovery objectives…