Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-Footed Ferrets in Aubrey Valley, Arizona

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department will introduce black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) into Aubrey Valley, Arizona. This reintroduction is a primary recovery action for this federally listed endangered species and will allow evaluation of release techniques. If conditions are acceptable, surplus captive- raised black-footed ferrets will be released in 1996, or later. Additional surplus animals will be released annually thereafter for several years or until a self-sustaining population is established. Releases will use and refine reintroduction techniques used in other areas. If the Aubrey Valley program is successful, a wild population could be established within about 5 years. The Aubrey Valley ferret population is designated as a nonessential experimental population in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. This population will be managed under the provisions of an accompanying special rule.