An evaluation of fisher (Martes pennanti) introductions in Montana.

Ray Vinkey. M.S. Thesis, Wildlife Biology Program, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT. completed December, 2003.

Fishers (Martes pennanti) are one of the most widely reintroduced carnivores in North America. In Montana fisher were ‘extirpated’ by the 1920s. Two translocations (1959-1960 & 1988-1991) were initiated to re-establish the species. Despite these efforts, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of the species’ status or the success of the introduction programs.

In cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Kootenai National Forest, and the University of Montana, Ray examined the distribution and lineage fisher populations in western Montana. In the Cabinet Mountains live trapping and track surveys were used to determine the presence or absence of fisher at a half-township (18mi 2) scale. A review of existing records (sighting, trapping, and tracking) described the distribution of fisher statewide. Genetic analysis of mtDNA haplotypes, completed at the Carnivore Genetics Lab, Rocky Mountain Research Station – United States Forest Service was used to determine whether extant populations were derived from animals introduced into the state.

A complete description of his research can be found in his thesis in the Mansfield Library at The University of Montana. Also a publication is on the horizon:

Vinkey, R. S., M. K. Schwartz, K. S. McKelvey, K. R. Foresman, K. L. Pilgrim, and B. J. Giddings. When reintroductions are augmentations: the genetic legacy of the fisher (Martes pennanti) in Montana. Journal of Mammalogy. In Press; April 2006 issue (Volume 87, issue number 2).

Ray's research was supported by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and a grant from the McIntire-Stennis program through the UM School of Forestry. Ray is currently a wildlife biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Anaconda, MT.

Contact Ray Vinkey: rvinkey@state.mt.us