Population fluctuations in mink, Mustela vison, with comparisons to muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus, and ermine, Mustela erminea, in southeastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario

• Main Author: Puttenham, Richard Ryan
• Format: Others
• Language: en; en_US
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/1107

Manitoba Department of Natural Resources fur harvest records were examined to determine if the provincial populations of mink (Mustela vison), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), and ermine (Mustela erminea) exhibit any periodicity. The data were analyzed using an autocorrelation formula. This analysis provided evidence that the provincial mink population exhibits an 8-year cycle. However, the provincial muskrat and ermine populations do not express any discernable trends. The same data were used to determine if there is any association in population cycles among the three fur-bearer species. Correlation coefficients indicated a two year lag in population cycles between mink and muskrat, but none between mink and ermine, and muskrat and ermine. The provincial fur-return data were compared to the price per pelt. The mink population showed a slightly cyclic negative trend in association between the number of animals caught and the price per pelt. The muskrat and ermine populations showed a negative linear trend over eight years. Fur harvest records of eight Manitoba Registered Trapline (RTL) sections plus two Northwestern Ontario RTL regions were examined as above. The two Northwestern Ontario RTL regions were divided into five sections for further comparison. There is evidence of 4-, 8-, 9-, and 10-year population cycles for mink in all but three sections. Muskrat exhibited 4-, 6-, and 9- to 10-year cycles for 7 of 13 sections examined. There was also evidence of population cycles for ermine in 7 of 13 sections. Manitoba sectional fur return data were examined for evidence of association in population cycles among the three species. There is evidence of two and four year lags in population cycles between mink and m skrat for 5 of 8 sections. There was evidence for cycles of association between mink and ermine, and muskrat and ermine in all sections. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)