Population Attributes for the Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) at Meeteetse, Wyoming, 1981–1985

摘要: Numbers of adults and juveniles in the single known free-ranging population endangered black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ) at Meeteetse, Wyoming were estimated annually July from spotlighting as 88 (1983), 129 (1984), 58 (1985). Population sizes September, determined mark-recapture studies, 128 ± 25 (1984) 31 8 Lower estimates 1985 reflected, least part, an ongoing epizootic canine distemper ferrets that decimated through November 1985, reducing it to ca. 6 individuals. From 1982 adult sex ratio was 1 male: 2.2 females; juvenile (1 0.80 females) did not differ significantly 1:1. The young averaged 1.95:1 1984 1.2:1 1985. At 224 produced 68 litters 1982–1985, with a mean litter size emergence 3.3. Juvenile reached weight by September. Only one female tagged recaught year age, she reproduced. Intercolony movements primarily males occurred September October. Adults maintained geographic fidelity between years. Disappearance (mortality emigration) rates ranged 53 86% highest for juveniles. Observed mortality absence disease predation. Reduction during suggests persistence this wild is unlikely.