BFFs are BFFs

Black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; BFFs) are native to central North America and were once thought to be extinct due to the decimation of prairie dogs, their primary prey species. However, in 1981, a Wyoming farmer's dog brought back a dead BFF and a small population was discovered. By 1985, the wild population was dwindling and the decision was made to bring them into captivity. 

From those 18 surviving BFFs brought into captivity, over 7,500 BFFs have been born in at six breeding facilities, and over 3,000 have been re-introduced to sites within their native range across North America. Although this this reintroduction program has been successful, BFFs have not fully recovered due to limited viable habitat, disease, and reduced fecundity. 

I am interested in the reproduction of the BFFs living in these breeding facilities. This species experienced a severe genetic bottleneck and is causing many physiological issues, especially regarding reproduction. In order to address reduced fecundity, it is critical to understand the source of infertility. Because the BFFs are bred to be released into the wild, they are managed with a "hands-off" approach as much as possible. To further complicate the issue, BFFs can experience pseudopregnancies when they have bred but not become pregnant. I am investigating non-invasive techniques to distinguish between true pregnancies and pseudopregnancies in order to pinpoint sources of infertility in the BFF.