Wild-born black footed ferrets seen in Canada for first time in 70 years

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/black-footed-ferret.html

Canada's first wild-born black-footed ferrets in 70 years have been spotted by delighted conservationists in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan - and the antics of the mother and her three kits have been caught on camera by a documentary film crew.

Once considered North America's rarest mammal, the black-footed ferret was reintroduced in Canada in October 2009. The last wild sighting in the country prior to this was in 1937.

Previously occupying a huge area from western Canada to Mexico, ferret numbers began to decline in the early 20th century. The last wild specimen in Canada was seen in 1937. For many years, scientists thought the species had become completely extinct but, in 1981, a small population was found near a ranch in Wyoming. A successful captive breeding programme was started with the hope of reintroducing the ferret to the wild in Canada. Parks Canada reintroduced 34 black-footed ferrets back into their native habitat in Grasslands National Park in October 2009.

Since their reintroduction, this once extirpated native species has been closely monitored by Parks Canada biologists and dedicated ‘citizen scientist' volunteers. In the early hours at the end of July, a playful litter of kits was observed on a black-tailed prairie dog colony. The black-footed ferret mother and her three kits appeared healthy and engaged in honing their survival instincts.

The exciting discovery was captured by a documentary film crew for Nature of Things with David Suzuki and the footage is due to be broadcast in Canada later in the year.

A glimpse of a new generation
‘It is a privilege and profound experience to be able to be part of this story,' said documentary director, Kenton Vaughan. ‘This species was on the brink of extinction and now we have caught a glimpse of a new generation of wild born animals.'

SLEEK: Black-tailed ferrets are nocturnal Picture: Paul Knaga

Last year, a total of 34 ferrets were released in the national park. After an intensive spring survey involving 975 hours of volunteer assistance, 12 of the 34 were positively identified as the minimum number of ferrets that survived through the winter. Now, the discovery of ferret kits is confirming how quickly the ferrets are adapting to their new home on the Canadian prairie.

‘The observation of wild-born ferrets is a tremendous cause for celebration and a significant benchmark in the reintroduction effort of this species,' said Jim Prentice, Canada's Minister for the Environment. ‘The reintroduction of the black-footed ferret in Grasslands National Park is a success story due to the efforts of Parks Canada staff, our partners and dedicated volunteers.'