Black-footed Ferret

 


The black-footed ferret is a species of mustelid native to central north America, more specifically the grasslands in the northern great plains. This ferret relies on prairie dogs for their source of food. This animal was thought to be extinct but the species was rediscovered in Wyoming in 1981. concerted efforts by many people have given black-footed ferrets a second chance for survival. Captive breeding, reintroductions, habitat protection, and cloning have helped restore them to over 300 animals in the wild. 

These Ferrets are essential essential members of the ecosystem and serve both as predator and prey. Black-footed ferrets help manage prairie dog populations. They also serve as a food source for larger predators like owls, coyote, and badgers.  They are very important for the health and diversity of the Northern American prairie ecosystem, and are considered a flagship species. If they were to go extinct it would be horrible for the entire prairie ecosystem.

The reasons the black-footed ferret is endangered is mainly due to habitat loss, human introduced disease, and indirect poisoning from prairie dog control measures. current conservation measures are that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to return the population of these ferrets back into the prairies by slowly releasing them back into the wild. A total of 52 ferrets were released in 2013 and 2014. Geospatial tools can help conserve these animals. That is because if we can locate and map where the largest and most prominent areas where the ferret is located, that can stop humans from spreading diseases or poisoning them due to prairie dog control.
 
Ways we can help:

1. You can symbolically adopt a black footed ferret on the World Wildlife Foundation where all proceeds go towards the conservation of back footed ferrets.

2. You can get involved with careers and internships at the UL Bend national wildlife refugee.

3. One of the best ways that individuals can help save the black-footed ferret is by being conscious of what they are putting in the environment, especially in the case of rodenticides and poisons. Finding alternatives to these poisons that don’t release toxic chemicals into the ecosystem has the potential to help protect prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets alike.

4. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Association before beginning any that affect prairie dog colonies.

5. Report any black footed prairie sightings to your local wildlife agency.

Sources:

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