Black Footed Ferret Montana
Field notes is produced by the montana natural history center.
Black footed ferret montana. The black footed ferret mustela nigripes also known as the american polecat or prairie dog hunter is a species of mustelid native to central north america it is listed as endangered by the iucn because of its very small and restricted populations the species declined throughout the 20th century primarily as a result of decreases in prairie dog populations and sylvatic plague. Committee on the status of endangered wildlife in canada. For a review of the history of surveys for black footed ferrets refer to hanebury and biggins 2006 in. The search continues for undiscovered black footed ferret populations but hopes are dampened by the knowledge that less than 8 of north america s historic prairie dog acreage remains.
Black footed ferrets require at least a few thousand acres of healthy prairie dog colonies to provide habitat and prey because they are obligate predators of prairie dogs and. Of maintaining suitable black footed ferret habitat for recovery. Montana has not block cleared any areas and requirements for surveys to avoid adverse effects on black footed ferrets remain and are considered on a case by case basis. The story of the black footed ferret s struggle for survival has been one of hope and setbacks.
Black footed ferret mustela nigripes survey. Black footed ferrets an endangered species were first reintroduced in montana in 1994 on black tailed prairie dog colonies located at ul bend national wildlife refuge. Black footed ferret in montana. Cosewic status report on the black footed ferret mustela nigripes in canada.
V31 n1 pg 99.