Disease and Endangered Species: The Black‐footed Ferret as a Recent Example

Abstract

Diseases may play major roles in the conservation of endangered species. Although the threat of disease received extensive consideration and influenced research and management activities governing the endangered black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) in Wyoming, a canine distemper epizootic in 1985 severely affected a captive breeding program and led to extirpation of the species from the wild. This recent example of the catastrophic effect of epizootic disease in an endangered species is described in an historical context. In addition, examples are given of disease further endangering other rare species, including Mauritius pink pigeon, Père David's deer, cranes, maned wolves, native Hawaiian birak, cheetahs, and others.

Persistence of Different‐sized Populations: An Empirical Assessment of Rapid Extinctions in Bighorn Sheep

“…Nevertheless, it is clear that small (and especially single) mammalian populations are in imminent need of enhanced management to maximize their persistence. Data for numerous species, including bighorn sheep and the sole deme of blackfooted ferrets {Mustela nigripes) (Clark 1987;Thorne & Williams 1988), confirm that exposure to extrinsic factors, notably epizootics, precipitates sweeping localized and rapid extirpation.…”

Emerging infectious diseases in cetaceans worldwide and the possible role of environmental stressors

“…EIDs are frequently the result of a change in the ecology of host and/or pathogen and are often driven by anthropogenic environmental modifications such as encroachment, animal movements across borders and global climate changes (Daszak et al 2001, Bengis et al 2004, Cunningham 2005, Munson et al 2008, Datta et al 2009, Johnson et al 2009). Such diseases may trigger massive mortalities, constrain the growth of wild animal populations, increase the risk of extinction of small populations in combination with other factors and provoke loss of biodiversity (Plowright 1982, Thorne & Williams 1988, Daszak et al 2000, Johnson et al 2009). …”

Agglutinating Antibodies to Toxoplasma Gondii in Sera From Captive Eastern Barred Bandicoots in Australia

“…Disease has limited reintroduction and captive propagation efforts of several endangered species, including Arabian oryx (Woodford and Kock, 1991), blackfooted ferret (Thorne and Williams, 1988), and golden lion tamarin (Bush et al, 1993). Computer simulations have been a valuable tool for estimating the impact of various factors on endangered species populations, and have been used to guide management decisions.…”