January 26, 2007
Blackfooted Ferret Volunteering, Spring 07
Greetings, Master Naturalists
This past year was record breaking for the Black-footed Ferret Project; the 2006 spotlighting effort produced the largest number of wildborn ever found. The success was due in great part to the 105 volunteers (but only one Master Naturalist) that joined the project during these efforts. Thank you to everyone that volunteered!
There were 46 individual black-footed ferrets that were captured and later released after their health was assessed. Forty-five of the black-footed ferrets were wildborn (26 males, 19 females) and one animal was a captive release (a female). Five of the females had previously lactated and a possible ten litters were seen during spotlighting. Two hundred and thirty-seven additional ferrets were seen, but not trapped (some of these were repeat sightings).
The Black-footed Ferret Project is planning another large spotlighting effort for spring 2007. With your help, we are hoping to have an even greater number of ferrets seen and captured. The information for this event, and background of the program, are listed below, and please pass this along to anyone that is interested in attending.
The dates for the large event will be the nights of March 30 - April 3. If we should get rained out any night, there is a rain date scheduled for April 4. For arrival times, please refer below:
SPOTLIGHTING TEAMS:
Requirements for Spotlighting:
- Ability to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets.
- Ability to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack spotlighting for two-hour durations.
- Ability to use or learn how to use a GPS unit.
Returning Volunteers:
Please arrive at Pica Camp gate (mile marker 123) at 9:00PM.
New Volunteers:
Please arrive at the Field House at 8:00PM. Directions will follow in an e-mail.
GEAR - As gear can be a limiting factor for the number of people that may attend, if you have any of the following, please bring it for your use:
* Headlamp or flashlight (these will not be provided)
* GPS unit
* Compass (to record direction that trap is set)
* Binoculars
* Appropriate clothing (see below)
* If you are able to bring a high clearance vehicle (preferably 4x4) it is greatly appreciated, as it frees up vehicle space for others and allows greater coverage of the Aubrey Valley
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience or by March 1, as space is limited and people have already started to reserve their spots. Include the following information: whether you will be using your personal high-clearance vehicle and if you are interested in backpacking or spotlighting from a truck or both.
Background on the Black-footed Ferret Project:
What is the background of this project?
The black-footed ferret is North America's only native ferret. At one time thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is now listed as an endangered species. Black-footed ferrets live in large prairie dog towns, prey on prairie dogs and reside in their burrows. Several states, including Arizona, have reintroduced black-footed ferrets, with Aubrey Valley being the only reintroduction site in Arizona.
What is the purpose of spotlighting?
Spotlighting allows us to monitor our population of black-footed ferrets and to select the best areas for future release.
When?
The nights of March 30 - April 3, rain date April 4. After training, spotlighting will begin and continue until approximately 6:00AM.
How many nights am I needed?
You can volunteer for one night or for the entire duration of the event.
Skills and abilities?
An interest in wildlife, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn new survey techniques. Those assigned to vehicles will drive a set route throughout the night spotlighting for eyeshine. Those backpacking will carry a 30-pound battery and traps by backpack while walking several miles and recording locations using a GPS. Volunteers will be personally responsible for setting and checking traps. Backpack spotlighters will switch out with truck spotlighters throughout the night.
What is involved?
Spotlighting involves the use of high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and aids surveyors with identifying and locating an animal. Once a ferret is located, the spotlighting team will set a trap in the burrow where the ferret was located. The team setting the trap will also continue to check the trap approximately every hour or until the animal is caught. Often, numerous other animals are observed, such as badgers, coyotes, owls, foxes, pronghorn, mule deer, porcupines, and skunks.
What happens once a black-footed ferret is trapped?
Upon capture, a spotlighting team will leave their route and deliver the ferret to a trailer parked along route 66. This will also allow the team a once in a lifetime opportunity to view a ferret up close while the biologists process the animal. After the animal is processed, the team will return to their route and release the ferret in the same burrow it was trapped.
What do you mean processed?
At the trailer, the animal's health will be assessed (vitals taken...) and the ferret will have a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag inserted subcutaneously. PIT tags allow us to individually identify animals upon recapture.
What to bring?
Most importantly, dress appropriately for the time of year. Multiple layers are best, as spring nights can be chilly, but you will warm up while backpacking. Raingear is highly recommended as you never know what the weather will be in the valley. If you have any of the following, please bring them along: headlamp, global positioning system (GPS) unit, binoculars and a backpack large enough to carry a 12-volt battery. Since truck space is limited, it would be helpful if you could drive your own high-clearance vehicle. Mileage is tax deductible.
Where to stay?
Seligman has several reasonably priced motels, including the Aztec Motel (928) 422-3055, and the Canyon Lodge (928) 422-3255. There are also several other motels in Seligman and it is possible to camp throughout the Aubrey Valley. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide camping gear.
Interested?
To sign up for the spotlighting event or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information below (email preferred)! Also, please forward this to anyone that is interested in volunteering.
Thank you for your interest,
Adrianna Siniawski
Wildlife Technician
Black-footed Ferret Project
Arizona Game and Fish Department
PO Box 397
Seligman, AZ 86337
928.422.0155
Email: azferret@azgfd.gov