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Captive biology of an asocial mustelid; Mustela erminea
Author(s) -
Doncarlos Michael W.,
Petersen Jay S.,
Tilson Ronald L.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430050407
Subject(s) - biology , captivity , captive breeding , reproduction , litter , zoology , animal husbandry , ecology , endangered species , habitat , agriculture
Successful captive reproduction, management, and exhibition of ermine ( Mustela erminea ) are unreported. Wild ermine are solitary and asocial specialist predators of small vertebrates. In captivity they alternate brief periods of frenetic activity with long periods of inactivity, are furtive, and because of interindividual aggressiveness, are managed as solitary animals. These species‐specific traits have precluded ermine as an ideal animal for captive management and public exhibition. Here we present observations of gestation and litter size, neonatal reproduction, male reproductive variance, and a possible correlation between diet and female reproductive success. We also describe methods of husbandry and of exhibit animal rotation which enhances visitor viewing of the animal.