Protecting the endangered black-footed ferret from extinction involved
A) captive breeding and reintroduction.
B) collecting individuals from multiple small populations and combining them into a single large population.
C) vaccinating the remaining population against sylvatic plague.
D) providing food during harsh winters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been crucial in bringing the black-footed ferret population back from the brink of extinction. By breeding and releasing individuals into suitable habitats, the species has been able to establish new populations and increase its range. Collecting individuals from multiple small populations (B) could be helpful in increasing genetic diversity, but it would not necessarily protect the species from extinction on its own. Vaccinating against sylvatic plague (C) could also be helpful, but it would not address other factors contributing to the species' decline. Providing food during harsh winters (D) could be helpful as well, but it would not address the larger issue of habitat loss and fragmentation.

Protecting the Endangered Black-Footed Ferret from Extinction Involved