New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts
Assessing spatial activity in captive feral ferrets, Mustela furo L.
(Carnivora: Mustelidae)
G. MEDINA-VOGEL*
G. J. HICKLING
Ecology & Entomology Group
Soil, Plant & Ecological Sciences Division
P.O. Box 84
Lincoln University
Canterbury, New Zealand
B. K. CLAPPERTON
49 Margaret Avenue
Havelock North, New Zealand
*Present address: Instituto de Ecología y Evolución,
Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile.
Abstract We observed eight male and five female feral ferrets
(Mustela furo) directly and by video recording in an outdoor enclosure
consisting of a 36 m2 arena and six dens and 13 tunnels. We
determined the sizes of main ranges and core areas, the overlaps in areas and
intensity of use, the patterns of use of dens and core areas, and the extent of
temporal overlap between individuals. We assessed the effect of sex, grouping,
density, social status and observation period on these spatial patterns. From
May 1995 to December 1996, five social groups (two males, two females, one male
with two females, two males with one female, and three males) were tested. The
spatial patterns identified were consistent with previous studies of
free-ranging feral ferrets in New Zealand. Range sizes of males and females
were similar. Dominant males had more temporal overlap with females than did
subordinate males. There was less den sharing within sexes than between sexes.
We conclude that intrasexual territoriality was demonstrated, and that the
described methodology is an effective means of studying, in captivity, aspects
of ferret social organisation and behaviour that are difficult to observe in
free-ranging animals.
Keywords Mustela furo; ferret; captivity; behaviour;
home range; core area; intrasexual territoriality; denning
Z99016
Received 20 April 1998; accepted 5 November 1999
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1149K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
This year's abstracts |
Journal home page |
All abstracts |
Publishing home page
