Comparison of black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and domestic ferret (M. putorius furo) courtship activity

Abstract

Because of the scarcity of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and the amount of knowledge necessary for their conservation, surrogate research can play an important role in recovery. In this paper, we investigate surrogate behavioral research potential by comparing courtship behavior of the black-footed ferret to the congeneric domestic ferret ( M . putorius furo). Ten female domestic ferrets were bred to five male domestic ferrets and eight female black-footed ferrets were bred to five black-footed ferret males. Courtship activities were defined, analyzed, and quantitatively compared between both groups. Lag sequential analysis was used to prepare the behavioral matrices, and matrix cells were compared between groups with an equality of proportions test. Courtship patterns did not differ significantly between the two closely related species, and the domestic ferret would probably be an adequate surrogate for reproductive behavior research on the black-footed ferret.

Reproductive inefficiency in male black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)

“…Mating behavior in the black-footed ferret is similar to that of the European ferret (Mustela putorius) and the Siberian polecat (Mustela eversmanni) [Hillman and Carpenter, 1983;Miller et al, 1988;Miller and Anderson, 1990]. Intromission is preceded by specific male behaviors including neck-biting, mounting, and rapid pelvic thrusting that subside after penetration has occurred [Hillman and Carpenter, 1983;Miller and Anderson, 1989].…”

Approaches and efficacy of artificial insemination in felids and mustelids

“…This approach was deemed appropriate, because early molecular analyses revealed that the common ferret, Siberian polecat, and black-footed ferret were phylogenetically related [51]. Others had determined that all of these species were seasonal, 'long-day' breeders [100][101][102][103] with increases in testis size beginning in January and peaking from March through June with declines thereafter [104]. The breeding season for the female had been determined to be restricted to March through June and characterized by changes in vaginal cytology and increased vulvar size.…”

The Cranial Morphology of the Black-Footed Ferret: A Comparison of Wild and Captive Specimens

“…To this end, reproduction and disease prevention were rigorously tracked and studied. Studies have investigated genetic diversity [ 31 ], courtship [ 32 ], age-dependent male fertility [ 33 ], canine distemper [ 34 , 35 , 36 ] and sylvatic plague [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. This research was critical to black-footed ferret recovery and reintroduction, but further research into other areas of health, including captivity’s effect on cranial morphology studied here, will serve to continue to improve the conservation efforts of this species.…”