Fecal steroid profiles in black-footed ferrets exposed to natural photoperiod

Article Abstract:

The endangered black-footed ferret is the subject of a wildlife management program designed to release captive-bred individuals back into the wild. Some 300 individuals have been reintroduced in protected areas of South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, where their yearly survival rate is around 20%. A new study seeks to develop a non-invasive technique to investigate the seasonal testicular and ovarian activity in captive adult ferrets to determine normal reproductive parameters. The results show that fecal steroid profiles of black-footed ferrets can be used to effectively evaluate gonadal function and could be a valuable aid to captive breeding management.

Composition, Reproduction (Biology), Reproduction, Endocrinology, Estrus

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The effect of rearing methods on survival of reintroduced black-footed ferrets

Article Abstract:

The decline of the endangered black-footed ferret is linked to reducing numbers of prairie dogs, which it largely depends on for shelter and food. The ferret is the subject of a reintroduction program using captive-bred animals. However, many of the reintroduced captive-reared ferrets have been lost through predation, possibly because of lack of aversive conditioning while in captivity. A new study tests the theory that early experience of aversive conditioning will increase the ferrets' survival rates. The study concludes that outdoor pens may promote the ferrets' general health but that the results of aversive conditioning are inconclusive.

Recreation, Endangered species, Animal breeding, Captive wild animals

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Use of fecal steroid metabolites to estimate the pregnancy rate of a free-ranging herd of tule elk

Article Abstract:

Physiologic evaluations of a wide range of wild animal populations can be obtained by fecal hormone analysis. A new study investigates whether fecal steroid metabolites can be used to estimate the pregnancy rate of a herd of tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. The study shows that progesterone metabolite and estrogen conjugate concentrations measured in fecal samples can be used to accurately detect and monitor pregnancy.

Usage, Diagnosis, Natural history, Pregnancy, Animals, Elk, Elk (Wapiti), Point Reyes National Seashore, California, Pregnancy diagnosis

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