Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Proposed Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-Footed Ferrets in Aubrey Valley, Arizona

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department), proposes to introduce black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) into Aubrey Valley, Arizona. This reintroduction is proposed to implement a primary recovery action for this federally listed endangered species and to evaluate release techniques. Provided conditions are acceptable, captive-raised black-footed ferrets that are surplus to the captive population will be released in 1995, or later, and surplus animals will be released annually thereafter for several years or until a self- sustaining population is established. Releases will utilize and refine reintroduction techniques used at other reintroduction areas. If the Aubrey Valley program is successful, it is expected that a wild population will be established within about 5 years. The Aubrey Valley ferret population is proposed to be designated as a nonessential experimental population in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This population will be managed in accordance with the provisions of the accompanying proposed special rule.