With a population level of approximately 1,000 it comes as no surprise that the black-footed ferret is listed as an endangered animal. With it's only natural habitat being here in the grass lands of North America these small members of the weasel family survive on a diet consisting mostly of prairie dogs, ground squirrels and other small rodents and birds. The black-footed ferret gets its name from the black fur covering its feet, tail tip and face. They are nocturnal animals and can weigh up to 2.5lbs, 6 inches in height and have a body length of almost two feet! In the wild they can live up to 4 years, but in captivity have thrived up to 9!
Reasons for Decline
The main reason for the black-footed ferret's decline is due to habitat destruction and loss in food sources. During early westward expansion, farmers found their live stock competing with the prairie dog for grazing locations; this caused farmers to intentionally poison the prairie dogs. Being the main food source for the ferret, it also ended up poisoning large amounts of the ferret population. Black-footed ferrets also rely on the burrowing of the Prairie Dogs for survivals. Not only do the eat the Prairie dogs, but they will use their tunnels to hide from prey and raise their young. Today, these problems are still facing the ferret. Where they once roamed what is believe to be Canada to Mexico, they have only been re-introduced into 8 states because their is a limited number of areas that have enough prairie dogs to sustain large populations of ferrets. Farmers still consider the prairie dogs pest, so will remove them is necessary, the effects and small populations of the species has almost wiped up the entire black-footed ferret population. Disease is also a big factor effecting the ferret and the prairie dog. the PD Plague can destroy entire colonies of prairie dog colonies therefore wiping out almost 90% of a ferret colonies food source.
Geography's Role in Conservation
As stated earlier, the black-footed ferret can only be found in the grasslands of North America, making the conservation of this geographical area imperative to the continued grow of this species.These ferrets used to have a natural habitat spreading south from Mexico all the way up to Canada that spanned almost 502,000 square miles; however today, due to conservationist efforts they have only been reintroduced to 8 states in the past thirty years. The grasslands are continuing to be industrialized with growing cities, or used as industrial farming areas; if this continues, the already limited area the ferret can sustain life without the intervention of conservationist will also dwindle.
The Ferret's Ecological Role
Like many species, the health and population levels of the black-footed ferret are a direct indicator of the health of the grasslands. However, more than that the ferret's plays a large role not only in the sustaining the health of the grasslands, but the success of local farmers. If you couldn't tell before, the ferret and the prairie dog are very intimately connected, so what happens to one species will have a significant effect on the other. In this case, if the ferret were to become extinct, the population levels of the prairie dogs would soar. With their increasing numbers, grazing and farming land for local farmer will be over run leading to a loss in produce and healthy livestock. To defend themselves, many farmers could take more corrective action and spread poison across the grasslands, not only endangering the prairie dogs, but other species and the environment as well!
What is Currently Being Done
The black-footed ferret was actually thought to be extinct at some
point, but since 1981 when a colony was found in Wyoming, they are thankfully making a comeback! This increase in population numbers can be attributed to not only extensive conversation organizations, but government agencies, Native American tribes, Zoos and even private owners! The efforts being made include breeding programs, by conservationist and private entities, preconditioning them to the outdoor elements and reintroducing them into the grassland to build colonies. Scientist are also currently researching vaccines for the prairie dog. Mentioned earlier the PD Plague can wipe out entire areas of the prairie dog therefore destroying the hope for the revitalization of the ferrets; vaccines can save these dog colonies and provide habitat where the ferret can survive. Organization such as The Nature Conservancy, (video below), even travel into the grasslands to help vaccinate those kits born into the wild!
How You Can Help!
Did you know he black-footed ferret is the only ferret native to North America; the
ferrets you see in pet stores are domesticated European ferrets! That means it is our responsibility that these little guys are taken care of and taken brought back from the brink of extinction. There are many ways you can help support the conservations effort for the Black-footed Ferret!
Social Media User? Try supporting or following this organizations!
1. https://www.facebook.com/FerretCenter
2. https://twitter.com/Ferret_Nation
Look at the many ways to support these conservation centers!
1. http://www.defenders.org/black-footed-ferret/basic-facts
2. http://www.blackfootedferret.org/
3. http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-footed-ferret Volunteer at these Recovery Projects!
1. http://riesterfoundation.com/news/2013/07/24/volunteering-to-count-black-footed-ferrets/
2. http://deepgreenresistancesonoran.org/2013/08/16/black-footed-ferret-recovery-effort-looking-for-volunteers/
3. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/NewsMedia/Volunteers-sought-for-black-footed-ferret-spring-spotlighting-effort.shtml
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