SPATIAL OPTIMIZATION OF PRAIRIE DOG COLONIES FOR BLACK-FOOTED FERRET RECOVERY

A discrete-time reaction-diffusion model for black-footed ferret relea se, population growth, and dispersal is combined with ferret carrying capacity constraints based on prairie dog population management decisi ons to form a spatial optimization model. Spatial arrangement of activ e prairie dog colonies within a ferret reintroduction area is optimize d over time for maximum expected adult ferret population. This modelin g approach is applied in an exploratory case study to a black-footed f erret reintroduction program in Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grassland, South Dakota. The model is currently being used t o 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 wi th other species in the northern Great Plains.