>From:    Sheila Crompton <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Zen on polecat crosses
 
I won't speak for the breeder who has at times subscribed to this list.  If
he pipes up great.  If not Sorry.
 
But what you might want from a polecat other body characteristics.  The one
reputed 100% polecat in the US that I know of is a big solid well built
animal.  If you know what you are doing you can try to get the body of the
polecat with the temperament of the ferret.  I do not know whether I believe
this animal is really a poleat or not.  James McKay has stated that he
believes most ferret breeders that claim they have a breeding polecat are
mistaken.
 
This trying to bring selected traits from different animals together is what
animal husbandry is all about.  Take the best from different places and work
to get them all together.  Likewise you try to cull out those traits that
are less desireable.
 
We wouldn't want to take on the awesome responsibility of working with the
polecats.  We do think the breeder we mention has done well by the offspring
that has made it to the US.
 
>From:    Elwin Bullard II <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: National Geographic Special
>What happens if it fails?  Can't we attempt to intermix the bloodlines
>and at least keep the markings?  I realize that true domestication would
>take centuries but do we have to give these wonderful creatures to
>history if we cannot reestablish them?
 
The BFF (mustella nigripes) and the domestic ferret (mustella furo) do not
interbreed.  But the BFF can cross with the steppe/siberian/chinese polecat
(mustella eversmanni.  They are breeding the BFF males to chinese females.
Not sure what they will finally do with all the cross offspring.  But
domestication is not a goal.  Neither are starting domestic and they are
working hard to avoid inadvertant over-domestication.
 
Unfortunately if it fails, its over.  Unless more are found somewhere in the
wide open west.  Well whats left of it.  But unless the black tailed prairie
dog's numbers are also increased there is little hope.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2200]