Ability to Respond Total:14 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:Medium
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Feral populations that exist in other states remain small in size, although populations in New Zealand are large.
2
Spread Amount
Adaptable to many ecosystems.
3
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Predatory and voracious, must hunt and feed more than once a day. Can decimate ground nesting birds (New Zealand) and small mammals.
5
Agricultural
Damage to poultry industry.
2
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
Bite humans and expose domestic animals & humans to TB.
3
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
Though illegal in CA, has a loyal pet owner following.
1
Health
0
Total
14
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Nocturnal, fast and shy in the wild.
2
Control
Standard fur trapping techniques require much effort, depending on density of infestation.
2
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
Border stations consistently check for animals, but many are in the illegal pet trade.
4
Control
Though CDFA "A"-rated and DFG prohibited, many CA private pet owners border stations constantly check for animals; many are in the illegal pet trade.
5
Outreach
Low outreach, but fairly common knowledge that ferrets are illegal, resistance open in pet trade: see estimate paper Whisson, and many intercepted at CA entry points.
