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Prey selection by black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes): implications for intersexual resource partitioning and conservation.

Authors :
Biggins, Dean E
Eads, David A
Ramakrishnan, Shantini
Goldberg, Amanda R
Eads, Samantha L
Hardin, Joanna
Konkel, Darla
Source :
Journal of Mammalogy. Apr2024, Vol. 105 Issue 2, p221-229. 9p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Intraspecific resource partitioning may play a critical role in how predators optimize prey selection. The Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes ; henceforth, ferret) is a highly specialized predator of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.; henceforth, PDs). Adult ferrets are sexually dimorphic and PDs are of similar size making them a difficult prey item. PD young are born 6 to 8 weeks prior to births of ferrets, producing a crop of smaller prey items during a period when energetic needs of female ferrets are highest. We asked whether relatively small female ferrets select small PDs as prey. We examined survival rates from early to late summer for large and small black-tailed PDs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in Montana and South Dakota as a function of their distance to adult male and female ferrets using capture–mark–recapture of PDs and simultaneous summer monitoring of ferret locations. Survival of small PDs (<600 g) was low when a female ferret was nearby, but distance to nearest female ferret did not affect survival of large PDs. Distance to the nearest male ferret did not influence survival regardless of PD size. Reduced competition from males for a critical food resource needed by females rearing young would benefit fitness of both sexes. If female ferrets depend on young PDs during their reproductive period, existing habitat models may substantially overestimate ferret carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00222372
Volume :
105
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Mammalogy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176655685
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyad132