The black-footed ferret is a highly specialized predator that depends on prairie dogs for survival. Prairie dogs
make up more than 90% of the black-footed ferret's diet, and prairie dog burrows provide ferrets with dens to
raise their young, as well as a means to escape from predators and harsh weather. Ferret habitat largely
coincided with the habitats of the black-tailed prairie dog (C. Ludovicianus), Gunnison's prairie dog (C. Gunnisoni),
and the white-tailed prairie dog (C. leucurus). Despite significant recovery successes over the last decade, the
black-footed ferret remains one of the most endangered animals in the world.
Consider the status of the black-footed ferret. What is the MOST logical contributing factor to its endangered status?
The exponential growth of ferret predator populations.
Human encroachment that has greatly reduced the prairie dog populations.
Eliminate
The growing habitat range of the prairie dog populations throughout the
United States.
Climatic change that has significantly modified the climate of the central
United States.