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16 August 2011 Landscape features influence postrelease predation on endangered black-footed ferrets
Sharon A. Poessel, Stewart W. Breck, Dean E. Biggins, Travis M. Livieri, Kevin R. Crooks, Lisa Angeloni
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Predation can be a critical factor influencing recovery of endangered species. In most recovery efforts lethal and nonlethal influences of predators are not sufficiently understood to allow prediction of predation risk, despite its importance. We investigated whether landscape features could be used to model predation risk from coyotes (Canis latrans) and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) on the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). We used location data of reintroduced ferrets from 3 sites in South Dakota to determine whether exposure to landscape features typically associated with predators affected survival of ferrets, and whether ferrets considered predation risk when choosing habitat near perches potentially used by owls or near linear features predicted to be used by coyotes. Exposure to areas near likely owl perches reduced ferret survival, but landscape features potentially associated with coyote movements had no appreciable effect on survival. Ferrets were located within 90 m of perches more than expected in 2 study sites that also had higher ferret mortality due to owl predation. Densities of potential coyote travel routes near ferret locations were no different than expected in all 3 sites. Repatriated ferrets might have selected resources based on factors other than predator avoidance. Considering an easily quantified landscape feature (i.e., owl perches) can enhance success of reintroduction efforts for ferrets. Nonetheless, development of predictive models of predation risk and management strategies to mitigate that risk is not necessarily straightforward for more generalist predators such as coyotes.

American Society of Mammalogists
Sharon A. Poessel, Stewart W. Breck, Dean E. Biggins, Travis M. Livieri, Kevin R. Crooks, and Lisa Angeloni "Landscape features influence postrelease predation on endangered black-footed ferrets," Journal of Mammalogy 92(4), 732-741, (16 August 2011). https://doi.org/10.1644/10-MAMM-S-061.1
Published: 16 August 2011
KEYWORDS
Bubo virginianus
Canis latrans
coyote
great horned owl
habitat selection
Mustela nigripes
predation risk
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