Postrelease movements and survival of adult and young black-footed ferrets

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2006

Author(s): Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, T.M. Livieri, M.R. Matchett, and B.D. Bibles

Suggested Citation:
Biggins, D.E., J.L. Godbey, T.M. Livieri, M.R. Matchett, and B.D. Bibles. 2006. Postrelease movements and survival of adult and young black-footed ferrets. 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. 191-200 p.

Abstract

A successful captive breeding program for highly endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) has resulted in surplus animals that have been released at multiple sites since 1991. Because reproductive output of captive ferrets declines after several years, many adult ferrets must be removed from captive breeding facilities annually to keep the total production high. Adults are routinely released, with young-of-the-year, on prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies. We evaluated postrelease movements and survival rates for 94 radio-tagged young and adult ferrets…