Article ID: | iaor20003515 |
Country: | United States |
Volume: | 45 |
Issue: | 4 |
Start Page Number: | 495 |
End Page Number: | 507 |
Publication Date: | Jul 1997 |
Journal: | Operations Research |
Authors: | Bevers Michael, Hof J., Uresk D.W., Schenbeck G.L. |
A discrete-time reaction-diffusion model for black-footed ferret release, population growth, and dispersal is combined with ferret carrying capacity constraints based on prairie dog population management decisions to form a spatial optimization model. Spatial arrangement of active prairie dog colonies within a ferret reintroduction area is optimized over time for maximum expected adult ferret population. This modeling approach is applied in an exploratory case study to a black-footed ferret reintroduction program in Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grassland, South Dakota. The model is currently being used to evaluate prairie dog population management alternatives and captive-bred ferret release locations for the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. This approach is also being adapted for use on other grasslands and with other species in the northern Great Plains.