Geology topics

D. Biggins

Publications and source records attributed to D. Biggins.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2001

Susceptibility of the Siberian polecat to subcutaneous and oral Yersinia pestis exposure

To determine if the Siberian polecat ( Mustela eversmannii ) represents a suitable model for the study of plague pathogenesis and prevention in the black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ), polecats were exposed to 10 3 , 10 7 , or 10 10 Yersinia pestis organisms by subcutaneous injection; an additional group was exposed to Y. pestis via ingestion of a plague-killed mouse. Plague killed 88% of polecats exposed to Y. pestis (71% mortality in the 10 3 group, 100% mortality in the 10 7 and 10 10 groups, and 83% mortality in the mouse-fed group). Within the challenged group, mean day of death post-challenge ranged from 3.6 to 7.6 days; all polecats died on or before day 12 post-challenge. Animals receiving the lowest parenteral dose survived significantly longer than those receiving higher parenteral doses. Within challenged animals, mean survival time was lower in those presenting with significant weight loss by day 3, lethargy, and low fecal output; time to onset of lethargy and other signs was also related to risk of dying and/or plague dose. Six polecats developed serum antibody titers to the Y. pestis F1 protein. Three seropositive polecats survived the initial challenge and a subsequent exposure to a plague-killed mouse, while two seropositive animals later died. This study confirms that the Siberian polecat is susceptible to plague and suggests that this species will offer an appropriate surrogate for black-footed ferrets in future plague studies and related vaccine trials.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗

USGS1999

Hybridization and the phylogenetic relationship between polecats and domestic ferrets in Britain

Ferrets ( Mustela furo ) were domesticated from polecats ( M. putorius, M. eversmannii ) over 2000 years ago. Following their introduction to Britain, they escaped and hybridized with native European polecats ( M. putorius ). Native polecats declined to the point of near extinction prior to World War I, but have recently begun to expand from a Welsh refugium. Concern has arisen as to the extent of polecat/ferret introgression, and in particular, whether the expanding population is of mainly hybrid origin. Therefore, mitochondrial DNA sequencing was used to investigate polecat genetic diversity in Britain. Two geographically distinct lineages were found, where one may be ancestral to the British polecat, and the other to the domestic ferret. The ancestral distribution of each lineage, or assortative mating is sufficient to explain the observed pattern. A further comparison between the distribution of the polecat phenotype and mitochondrial haplotype implies that the current population expansion may be mediated by dispersing male polecats hybridizing with female feral ferrets. However, the wild source of the ferret remains obscure. Relatively recent speciation from European mink ( M. lutreola ) and black-footed ferrets ( M. nigripes ), and/or the effects of hybridization result in an unresolved molecular phylogeny.

Biological Conservation↗

USGS1999

Etologia aplicada al manejo de especies amenazadas: el caso del turon de patas negras (Mustela nigripes)

Los turones de patas negras (Mustela nigripes) son considerados como uno de los mamíferos más amenazados del mundo. La última población silvestre fue descubierta en 1981 en Meeteetse, Wyoming, y en 1985 se extinguió debido a una epidemia de moquillo canino en combinacion con una epidemia de peste bubónica. Antes de su extinción total en la naturaleza, se lograron capturar 18 individuos para comenzar un programa de cría. La cría en cautividad se ha llevado a cabo con éxito y, durante los últimos 11 años han nacido más de 2600 turones en centros de propagación. Desde 1991, aproximadamente 870 turones han sido reintroducidos en 5 áreas de distribución histórica original repartidas entre los estados de Wyoming, Montana, Dakota del Sur, y Arizona. La investigación científica ha sido, y continúa siendo, una herramienta crítica para dirigir el Programa de Recuperación. Los estudios etológicos llevados a cabo tanto con turones cautivos como con turones reintroducidos han demostrado que un entorno cautivo naturalístico, especialmente durante las etapas iniciales del desarrollo de estos carnívoros, ayuda a desarrollar conductas necesarias para la supervivencia en la naturaleza. Dicho entorno ayuda a los turones a refinar sus técnicas de caza, a reconocer las madrigueras de los perritos de la pradera como un refugio donde establecerse y como una vía de escape frente al acoso de depredadores, y a mejorar su forma física. A raíz de estos estudios, se han readaptado las técnicas de manejo de turones cautivos para ayudar a llevar a cabo la recuperación de esta especie de un modo más eficaz y rentable. Black-footed ferrets are considered one of the world's most endangered mammals. The last wild population was discovered in 1981 in Meteetsee, Wyoming, and, in 1985 it collapsed due to an epizootic of canine distemper in combination with sylvatic plague. Prior to the extinction of the last remnant population, 18 wild black-footed ferrets were captured to initiate captive propagation efforts. Captive breeding has been successful and, during the last 11 years, more than 2600 black-footed ferrets have been born in captive breeding centers. Since 1991, approximately 870 ferrets have been reintroduced in 5 areas located within the ferret's original geographic distribution, including sites in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona. Scientific research has been, and continues to be, a critical tool to direct recovery efforts. Studies in applied ethology conducted on captive and reintroduced ferret populations have demonstrated that a naturalistic captive environment, particularly during early developmental periods, enhances the expression of behaviors necessary for survival in nature. Ferrets raised in a naturalistic environment develop better predatory skills, are able to recognize prairie dog burrows as a home and shelter from predators, and are more physically fit. Results from these studies have been adapted into management strategies to help implement a more cost-effective road to black-footed ferret recovery.

Etologia↗

USGS1994

Reintroduction of the black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes )

The black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ) (Figure 27.1) is a small, secretive, nocturnal member of the family Mustelidae (Hall, 1981; Honacki, Kurman and Koeppl, 1982). Ferrets have an obligate dependence on the prairie dog ( Cynomys spp.) community, utilizing the prairie dog for food and its burrows for shelter (Campbell et al., 1987).

Book chapter↗