Volunteer To Help Count The Species In October
From AZGFD

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a rare opportunity for people wanting to assist in the recovery efforts of the endangered black-footed ferret. This elusive, nocturnal animal was once the most endangered mammal on the planet and just 18 ferrets remained when captive breeding efforts began.

Now, from Oct. 6-10, Game and Fish will be conducting its annual fall spotlighting effort and needs volunteers to help document black-footed ferret numbers throughout the Aubrey Valley, just west of Seligman.

Volunteers Vital

“Volunteers have always played a vital role in this recovery effort,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at the Game and Fish Kingman office. “We don’t have the personnel available to fully staff these events, and the program’s continued success depends on people’s remaining involved.”

Black-Footed Ferret

Twice thought to be extinct, a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981. A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley was selected as a reintroduction site.

On Sept. 26, reintroduction sites around the country will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the last known population of black-footed ferrets while Arizona will also celebrate its 15th year as a re-introduction site.

In just the last nine years in Arizona, black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley have reached a population high enough to be considered self-sustaining, meaning no captive-bred ferrets are released. In 2009, the ferret reintroduction crew documented 60 individual ferrets, followed by a record 96 in 2010.

Help From The Heritage Fund

The re-introduction of these specialist carnivores in Arizona was possible because of the state’s Heritage Fund, which, when matched with federal dollars, accounts for the project’s funding. This, along with the dedication of volunteers, has made Arizona’s reintroduction effort a model for other sites to emulate.

Pebworth admitted that without the voter-approved initiative, which provides money through the Arizona Lottery, this effort would not have been possible.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in Arizona,” Pebworth said. “We’re restoring an animal that was absent from the state for about 65 years. It’s gratifying to know we’ve reached a point with this reintroduction where the population has continued to improve.”

Not An Easy Task

Spotlighting is not easy, and Pebworth acknowledges that volunteers earn the right to brag about their participation in the recovery of this animal.

Volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise, be able to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack-spotlighting for two-hour durations, and they must be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS). Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18.

Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail azferret@azgfd.gov by Sept. 30 with “October Spotlighting” in the subject line. Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.

Additional Information

Additional information will be sent following contact, including meeting location and times.

Volunteers should also note any of the following equipment they can bring: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry a 30-pound battery), headlamp, pen, compass, binoculars, walkie-talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), or a cordless rechargeable spotlight.

It can be cool during the October event, so individuals need to dress appropriately.

Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times
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