August 3, 2007
Blackfooted Ferret Spotlighting Event Volunteer Op
Greetings, Master Naturalists and Watershed Stewards
This year is shaping up to be one of the best years yet for spotlighting black-footed ferrets. During the large March spotlighting event, 35 individual black-footed ferrets were captured and processed. Of the 35 animals caught, 34 were wild born, showing that reproduction in the wild remains high.
Out of these 35 individuals, 20 animals were first time captures and 15 were recaptures from previous years. One animal was a recapture from 2003. This is a very exciting time for the Black-footed Ferret Project (Project) as these 15 animals allowed the Project to reach an ongoing goal of documenting long term survival.
A large part of our capture success was due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. Over five nights, a total of 47 people assisted with the spotlighting effort. On behalf of the Black-footed Ferret Project, thank you to all that helped. The March 2007 event marked the highest number of individual black-footed ferret captures in a single event.
At the end of July, the crew spotlighted for two nights. A total of two new black-footed ferrets were trapped and processed. In addition to these animals, 4 litters were identified and nine badgers were seen.
The Black-footed Ferret Project is planning another large spotlighting effort for this fall. We are hoping that with your help we can make this upcoming October spotlighting event an even greater success and make 2007 a record year for spotlighting. The dates for the large event will be the nights of October 24th - October 28th.
Please sign up early, as space is limited and people had to be turned away last event. In March, "no shows" took valuable space away from other volunteers. If you are unable to attend after being registered, please make sure to contact us as soon as you can, so your space can be filled.
October is one of the best times to join us for spotlighting; kits are dispersing and looking for their own territories. For arrival times and further details, please refer below:
TO SIGN UP:
- Please send an email to azferret@azgfd.gov with "October Spotlighting" in subject line.
- Indicate what night(s) you will be attending and who else (first and last name) will be
attending with you.
- List any of the following equipment that you will be bringing: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry 30 pound battery), walkie talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), and a cordless rechargeable spotlight.
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 8:00PM.
New Volunteers: Please arrive at the Field House at 7:00PM. 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
* Pen (to record data)
* 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. Mileage is tax deductible
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience or by September 15, 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 backpack spotlighting or spotlighting from a truck or both.
For background on the Black-footed Ferret Project, please read below:
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 releases.
When?
The nights of October 24 - October 28. 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 backpack spotlighting will carry a 30-pound battery and a trap by backpack while walking a couple of miles to spotlight for black-footed ferrets. Volunteers will be personally responsible for setting and checking traps, and recording locations using a GPS unit. 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 allow the team a once in a lifetime opportunity to view a ferret up close while the biologists processes the animal. After the animal is processed, the team will return to their route and release the ferret in the same burrow where it was trapped.
What do you mean processed?
At the trailer, the animal's health will be assessed (vitals monitored) 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 fall nights can be cold, but you will warm up while backpack spotlighting. Raingear is highly recommended as you never know what the weather will be in the valley. Also, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water. Snacking throughout the night will help you to stay awake.
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
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
Posted by The Naturalist at August 3, 2007 1:24 PM