CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange South Dakota State University Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange Theses and Dissertations 1968 Life History and Ecology of the Black-Footed Ferret in the Wild Conrad N. Hillman Follow this and additional works at: http://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd Part of the Natural Resources and Conservation Commons Recommended Citation Hillman, Conrad N., "Life History and Ecology of the Black-Footed Ferret in the Wild" (1968). Theses and Dissertations. 133. http://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/133 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. LIFE lIISTORY A...'W ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK-FOOTED FERRET IN THE WILD BY CONRAD N, HILLMAN A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree lfaster of Science, Major in Wildlife Biology, South Dakota State University 1968 LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK-FOOTED FERRET IN THE WILD This thesis is approved as a creditable and independent investigation by a candidate for the degree, Master of Science, and is acceptable as meeting the thesis requirements· for this degree, but without implying that the conclusions reached by the candidate are necessarily the conclusions of the major department. Wildlife Management Department ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I express appreciation to Dr. Paul F. Springer for planning and implementing the first phase of this study. Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. Raymond L. Linder, my graduate advisor, and Robert B. Dahlgren, Assistant Leader, for advice given during the study and for helpful criticism in preparation of this manuscript. Thanks are also due F. Robert Henderson, Donald K. Fortenbery and William Pullins for valuable field assistance. I thank Dr. Donald R. Progulske and Robert N. Swanson for reviewing the manuscript. I would especially like to thank James Carr who provided valuable assistance and on whose land the ferrets were studied. Appreciation is also expressed to ranchers who allowed access to their land. Funds for the study were provided by the South Dakota Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, South Dakota State University, and Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating) and the National Park Service. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION . 1 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 3 METHODS . 6 Field Observations 6 Secondary Poisoning of Domestic Ferrets . 6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 8 Seasonal and Daily Activity Patterns 10 Behavior of Mother and Young . 10 Behavior of Individuals . 15 Movement and Dispersion . 17 Food Habits and Feeding Behavior • • . • • • . • . • 17 Effects of Predation on Prairie-dog Populations . 20 Behavioral Responses of Prairie Dogs to Ferrets , 21 Ferret Sign ••• 22 Welfare Factors . 24 FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS . 27 LITERATURE CITED ..•• 28 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Soil surrounding p�airie-dog burrows is often disturbed ••••••. 5 2 Ferrets were observed at night by use of a �potlight •.· , . ' . 5 3 Prairie-dog towns in western Mellette County, South Dakota .••.••••••••.••• 9 4 Daily activity of ferrets during summer months 12 5 Trench-like structure formed by a ferret digging in a prairie-dog burrow •• 23 6 Fresh diggings were sign of ferret activity . 23 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1 Ferret observations in Mellette County, South Dakota .. 11 LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK-FOOTED FERRET IN THE WILD Abstract CONRAD N. HILLMAN Twenty-one black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) were observed at six different locations in southwest South Dakota between April 1966, and September 1967. All observations were made on black-tailed prairie-dog (Cynornys ludovicianus) towns from 15 to 100 acres in size. Because of the proximity of towns inhabited by ferrets, it was possible that individual animals were observed in more than one location. Three litters of ferrets were studied. Young ferrets were most active during early morning and late evening hours. Ferrets remained as a group until early fall when dispersal evidently occurred. Young ferrets accepted live-tethered and dead prairie dogs, mice, cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus), and birds placed near their burrow. A trench-like structure for�ed by ferrets digging in prairie­ dog burrows was a characteristic sign indicating that ferrets were present. Numerous plugged burrows formed by prairie dogs covering holes presently or recently occupied by ferrets may also be a sign. All evidence indicated that prairie dogs were the principal food. Adult ferrets were observed to bring �p dead prairie dogs from their burrows and carry them to other burrows . Also, one adult ferret was observed capturing a live prairie dog above ground. A reduction in prairie-dog numbers was noted on towns inhabited_by ferrets. Widespread u�e of sodium monofluoracetate (Compound 1080) presents a threat to ferrets. It has been shown that 1080- poisoned prairie dogs can cause secondary poisoning of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius). Also, prairie-dog eradication reduces the ferret's food supply. INTRODUCTION The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has long been considered rare throughout much or all of its range. Although never known to exist in great numbers, the ferret originally occurred throughout the Great Plains from Texas to Canada (Burt and Grossenheider, 1964). Many accounts suggest that distribution of the black­ footed ferret is closely correlated with, if not restricted to, the distribution of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni). Cahalane (1954) reported that of 20 ferret sightings which described the habitat where ferrets were seen, 18 were on prairie-dog towns. Henderson et al. (1968) also reported that ferrets were most often seen on or near prairie-dog towns. More reports of ferret sightings have been made in South Dakota than in any other state. Cahalane (op. cit.) reported that of 42 acceptable sightings, South Dakota led nine other states with 16 records. Henderson et al. (op. cit. ) reported 230 records where ferrets were sighted or sign indicative of ferrets was seen. Few reports of sightings have come from other states in recent years. A study of the black-footed ferret in the wild was initiated in August 1964 by the South Dakota Cooperative Wildlife Research ·2 Unit. Investigations continued through 1967. The present study was initiated in April 1966, to learn more of the ferret's life history and ecological requirements. The use of sodium monofluoracetate (Compound 1080) , a poison used to control prairie dogs, has caused considerable controversy because of possible secondary poisoning of ferrets. Pen studies were conducted to evaluate the significance of prairie-dog poisoning. 3 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA Observations )£ black-footed ferrets were restricted to western . Mellette County i� southwest South Dakota. All ferrets observed inhabited six pra�rie-dog towns which varied in size from 15 to 100 acres. Five towr. were on rolling grassland and one was located on low terraces ad: cent to Pine Creek. Soils in the �:ea are derived from stream-deposited alluvium, tertiary sandsto�e and siltstones, and Pierre shale. Soils are mainly solodized-solonetz with a thin friable surface layer underlain by a dense, dispersed clay layer. The grayish-brown clay, silt loams, and sandy loam soils are well to excessively drained. Annual rainfall averages 16 inches. Annual temperatures are 45-48 F. (Westin et al. , 1959). Vegetation on dog towns was composed of forbs, mid- and short­ grass species. Grass species include western wheatgrass (Agropyron Smithii), green needlegrass (Stipa viridula), sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides). In disturbed sites where prairie-dog activity was greatest, prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), red three-awn (Aristida longiseta), tumblegrass (Schedonnardus paniculatus), curlycup-gumweed (Grindelia sguarrosa) and wooly plantain (Plantago Purshii") were commonly found. Scientific names of vegetation are according to Fernald (1950). 4 The vegetation in prairie-dog towns is usually low in vigor due to heavy grazing pressure by prairie dogs and often by cattle which tend to concentrate on towns. Most of the area surrounding the prairie-dog burrows was barren of vegetation in late summer. Prairie dogs were continually modifying their burrow and in doing so they pulled soil from as far as 15 feet (Figure 1) . Two prairie-dog towns under observation, each approximately 80-100 acres in size, were inhabited by ferret litters in 1966 and 1967. The town inhabited by ferrets in 1966 had a total of 115 prairie dogs, young and old, on July 13. The town inhabited by ferrets in 1967 had 153 prairie dogs on June 21. A third litter was seen in 1967 on a 30-acre prairie-dog town but accurate dog counts could not be made. Prairie-dog towns inhabited by individual ferrets varied in size from 20-35 acres. Eighteen prairie dogs were observed in one 20-acre town, but this town was heavily hunted by local ranchers. A total of 64 dogs was observed on a 25-acre town, and on a 35-acre town the greatest number of prairie dogs observed was 52. Prairie-dog towns were distributed·throughout the western half of Mellette County. Towns were located on private land and land under jurisdiction of the U. S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Eleven prairie-dog towns were known to occur per to"t>mship in some areas. Other areas had only one or two towns per township. 5 Figure 1. Soil surrounding prairie-dog burrows is often disturbed. Fi.iure 2. Ferrets were observed at nip.ht by use of a spotlight.