Estimating parasite infrapopulation size given imperfect detection: Proof-of-concept with ectoparasitic fleas on prairie dogsInt J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2023 Jan 7;20:117-121. doi: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.002. eCollection 2023 Apr.
Free PMC article AbstractParasite infrapopulation size – the population of parasites affecting a single host – is a central metric in parasitology. However, parasites are small and elusive such that imperfect detection is expected. Repeated sampling of parasites during primary sampling occasions (e.g., each host capture) informs the detection process. Here, we estimate flea (Siphonaptera) infrapopulation size on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus, BTPDs) as a proof-of-concept for estimating parasite infrapopulations given imperfect detection. From Jun-Aug 2011, we live-trapped 299 BTPDs for a total of 573 captures on 20 plots distributed among 13 colonies at the Vermejo Park Ranch, New Mexico, USA. During each capture, an anesthetized BTPD was combed 3 times consecutively, 15 s each, to remove and count fleas. Each flea (n = 4846) was linked to the BTPD from which it was collected and assigned an encounter history (‘100’, ‘010’, ‘001’). We analyzed the encounter histories using Huggins closed captures models, setting recapture probabilities to 0, thereby accounting for flea removal from hosts. The probability of detecting an individual flea (p) increased with Julian date; field personnel may have become more efficient at combing fleas as the field season progressed. Combined p across 3 combings equaled 0.99. Estimates of flea infrapopulation size were reasonable and followed the negative binomial distribution. Our general approach may be broadly applicable to estimating infrapopulation sizes for parasites. The utility of this approach increases as p declines but, if p is very low, inference is likely limited. Keywords: Abundance; Detection; Ectoparasite; Huggins; Intensity; Siphonaptera. © 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian Society for Parasitology. |
Coyote-killing contests banned
SANTA FE – Just over a week after being sworn into office, state Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has taken aim at coyote-killing contests on 9 million acres of New Mexico state trust land.
In an executive order that could prove difficult to enforce, the recently elected land commissioner described the organized killing contests as being inconsistent with sound land management and damaging to the natural order between predators and prey.
“These are not hunting contests – they are animal cruelty contests,” said Garcia Richard, who was joined by more than a dozen environmental and wildlife advocates at a Thursday news conference at the State Land Office.
Read more: Ban
Biologists With Drones And Peanut Butter Pellets Are On A Mission To Help Ferrets
In central Montana, drones are dropping peanut butter pellets on prairie dog colonies. It’s part of an effort by biologists to save North America’s most endangered mammal — the black-footed ferret (or as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls it, the BFF).
Read more: Ferret
Loyal Mehrhoff: Protect the Endangered Species Act
Since the new Congress took over in January, anti-wildlife politicians have launched 63 legislative attacks on the Endangered Species Act — despite the law’s immense success and broad public support. Attacks from Congress are largely to satisfy the fossil fuel industry and other special interests that oppose being regulated.
Calls to gut the Endangered Species Act are dangerous and damaging to the work of preserving our natural heritage. Instead, Congress should provide more funding to help save our most imperiled wildlife.
Read more: Mehrhoff
Prairie dogs again found on Boulder Armory site
The controversy over the treatment of prairie dogs on the future site of a north Boulder housing development was to have been settled eight months ago.
It’s roared back to life, though, as prairie dog allies have made new allegations against the developer, who’s responded by calling them defaming “extremists.”
In late August, Boulder made the announcement that a colony of more than 100 prairie dogs would be spared, after a very public, monthslong spectacle in which animal rights advocates pressured developer Bruce Dierking not to kill the critters simply because they lived on his construction site.
Read more: http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_30948629/prairie-dogs-again-found-boulder-armory-site
Commissioners vote to euthanize 250 prairie dogs in this Colorado county
KUSA – Larimer County Commissioners voted to euthanize around 250 prairie dogs on Tuesday as they prepare to break ground on a new county building.
Voters were promised a new county office building in 2013 to replace an “undersized” one built in the ’60s. It’s slated to sit in the heart of Loveland at First Street and Denver Avenue.
Before breaking ground, commissioners made the decision about the prairie dogs after months of discussion.
“Larimer County is going to humanely trap and euthanize [them],” Larimer County Commissioner Tom Donnelly said.
Read more: Larimer
Survey shows larger prairie dog habitat than expected
The article does not address the fact that prairie dogs have declined by up to 98% in population and range over the past 120 years thanks to the reasons stated: The animals have faced declining numbers due to plague, loss of habitat (ranching, farming, urban development), and other issues.
The Denver Post reports a recent federal survey conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists shows the animals have two times more habitat than expected at 500,000 acres.
These rodents help sustain endangered black-footed ferrets and more than 100 other species on the Great Plains.
Environmentalists, developers and the state tend to clash when it comes to prairie dogs.
The animals have faced declining numbers due to plague, urban development, and other issues.
Tina Jackson of Colorado Parks and Wildlife says a listing of a species like this would have a huge impact on landowners and restrict activities on their property.
She said a lack of adequate space for prairie dogs would trigger ecological impacts.
Read More: Population
Urge the commissioners to move Loveland’s prairie dogs
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Don’t try to boss around a prairie dog
Word to the wise: don’t tell Ray Durkee what he can or can’t do. You might end up harboring an exotic rodent.
The provenance of perky little Aime, pure prairie dog, named after the 1973 Pure Prairie League hit, is rooted in defiance. Here’s how it went down. Durkee, a West Ashley hair stylist and animal lover, had been browsing the Craigslist pet section when he happened upon an ad for prairie dogs.
Read More: Boss
Plea for Help
Dear Senator Moores and Steinborn,
I express my sincere appreciation for your co-sponsoring SB 268.
In 2015, the two of you made history with SB 253’s passage in the Senate Chamber.
Sadly, we all witnessed what happened at the House Committee meeting.
I remain steadfast that we will witness the passage of this legislation.
I have shared with you how I called Governor Martinez’ office in November 2013 and her Director of Constituent Affairs, Ms. Susan Velasquez, told me “She does not support them.” When I called back the next day to request a written statement from the Governor, the staff member told me “[I told you that ‘off the record.’]” That response is inaccurate.
Thereafter, I briefly met with Ms. Mindi Jones. Her advice was to work with my legislators to help support bills such as this one along. I explained to her I was doing those activities and I shared these experiences at the 2015 House Committee Meeting. In 2014, Representative Larranaga indicated to me in an e-mail he would support a bill such as this one even though he did not support HB 316 in 2013.
I have attempted to meet with the Governor’s staff in January-February 2016, but have been unsuccessful in doing so. My last contact there was Mr. Antonio Carrejo, Policy Analyst. I waited to see him in the foyer and after 30 minutes he cancelled our meeting citing Mr. Keith Gardner requested he attend another staff meeting.
I have attached, below, correspondence to the Governor’s Office and a letter I received in 2015.
There are numerous wildlife- and biology-centered articles I could include in this message, but I regard the quote below as very effective rationale why animal-killing contests have no place in a society.
Sincerely,
Brenda G. McKenna
Wildlife Advocate/Precinct Chair/Nanbe Tewa Language Coordinator
87109 & 87506
Nebraska prairie dog management law in crosshairs once again
Nebraska’s longest-serving lawmaker is once again trying to repeal a law that could allow county officials to kill black-tailed prairie dogs on private property if a neighbor complains.
Read more:Nebraska
Duggan: Prairie dogs score a victory in Fort Collins
Prairie dogs have scored a victory in Fort Collins, or at least their advocates have.
The City Council on Tuesday gave initial approval to a set of changes to the city’s Land Use Code aimed at giving prairie dogs more protection from development than they have enjoyed during the last 20 years.
Read More: Fort Collins
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Group Sues USA to Stop Prairie Dog Slaughter
Your action makes a difference!
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Killing prairie dogs for fun shows ill intent
In my many years of being a subscriber to this newspaper, I have never responded to a comment which appeared in the R-H Line. In this case, however, I feel compelled to do so .
I am referring to the irresponsible comment which appeared Jan. 23, under the caption, “Prairie Dogs.”
Read More: Killing
Water, Wildlands, Wildlife Day at the Roundhouse
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Wednesday, February 8, 2017
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Rotunda at the Roundhouse
411 State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM (map)
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This is a chance for the environmental community to demonstrate broad-based support to elected officials and the public for protecting our climate, clean air, clean water, and conservation of wildlife and public lands in New Mexico. We’ll have Lobby Training for people at 10:30am and 2pm. Meet at the podium in the Roundhouse. Participating groups: Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Defenders of Wildlife, Animal Protection Voters of NM, Audubon NM, Project Coyote, Wildlife Conservation Advocacy Southwest, Southwest Environmental Center, Sierra Club Northern Group, Trapfree NM, Rio Grande Restoration, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Amigos Bravos, Friends of Bosque del Apache NWR, Center for Biological Diversity, Environment NM, Gila Conservation Coalition, Gila River Information Project, Lobos of the Southwest, Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, The Santa Fe Raptor Center, The Wilderness Society, and Wild Earth Guardians
Lobby Day! Let your voice be heard!!!
Animal Protection Lobby Day 2017
Wed, Feb 22, 2017
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thank you for caring about New Mexico’s animals and showing up to help us change laws that change their lives!
Passing stronger laws for animals takes ongoing dedication, planning, persistence, and plenty of voices from constituents like YOU! Join us for Animal Protection Lobby Day, and help make humane the new normal in 2017.
Our 2017 legislative priorities include banning traps and poisons on public lands and ending wildlife killing contests. We will continue to be vigilant in fighting against bills that are bad for animals, and supporting other pro-animal legislation.
This is a free event! Lunch and Refreshments provided!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
9:00 AM- Registration & Refreshments (PERA Building)
10:00 AM- Citizen Lobbyist Training (PERA Building, Apodaca Hall)
11:30 AM- Lunch and Breakouts / Letter Writing Campaign (PERA Building)
1:00 PM- Group Photo on steps of PERA Building
1:30 PM- Deliver Letters to Your Legislators (Roundhouse)
2:30 PM- Press Conference / Guest Speakers (Roundhouse / Rotunda)
4:00 PM- Reception at APNM Santa Fe Office, 1111 Paseo de Peralta
Help us cover the cost of lunch for you or a community member. Suggested donation $15.00
Howling Mad! Let your voice be heard
We’re Howling Mad!
Protest at the Santa Fe Capitol
Wednesday, Feb 8th, 1pm
490 Old Santa Fe Trail
Check our Facebook event page for updates and carpool information
Join us at the Roundhouse to tell Governor Martinez: “We’re Howling Mad!” With just six breeding pairs at last count and inbreeding that is causing wolf moms to have fewer pups, New Mexico’s and Arizona’s endangered Mexican gray wolves need genetically-diverse wolves to be released from captivity before it’s too late.
But Governor Martinez has cynically blocked releases. Will our children be able to know the lobo in the wild, or will it be driven to extinction?
We need your support to tell Governor Martinez to listen to the scientists and allow more Mexican Wolves in New Mexico.
FIRST PRAIRIE DOG OF 2017 SIGHTED
An advocate called this morning (1/28) and reported seeing the first prairie dog emerge from hibernation at the NW Corner of Tramway and Lomas (Prairie Hills). This is a bit disturbing as the temperature this morning was 20F possibly warming to 40F later in the day. It is just TOO early. However, we do know that our gunnies can wake up for a snack and then go back into torpor if the weather is cold. We HOPE that’s the case, otherwise it will be a long spring season for our rescue crew. If any of our caregivers are of the mind to visit the lot, could you perhaps drop some carrots or grain down a few of the burrows? Also if you check the areas where you provide supplemental food for PD activity it would be appreciated. Thanks!
PS: The prairie dog pictured is a black tailed prairie dog in Colorado.
Hundreds of buffalo are under quarantine after an illegal poison was used to kill prairie dogs
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Hundreds of buffalo are under quarantine in North Dakota and South Dakota after an illegal poison was used to kill prairie dogs.
An Environmental Protection Agency investigation earlier found 40,000 pounds of Rozol poison had been distributed across 5,400 acres on the former Cannonball Ranch near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and the Wilder Ranch which straddles both states to the south.
Read More: Poison
Prairie dogs to be removed from state park
Montana State Parks is moving ahead with a plan to reduce the population of prairie dogs at First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park, where burrowing by an expanding population is threatening to sink cultural resources.
Read More: Parks
Larimer County works with advocates on possible prairie dog relocation
As Larimer County officials work to start construction on the new county building at First Street and Denver Avenue in Loveland, some residents are advocating that the prairie dogs on site be relocated first.
For months, the Larimer County commissioners and the Loveland City Council members have been receiving emails from prairie dog advocates asking that the animals on site be located to another area, rather than poisoned and killed.
While prairie dogs are not considered a protected species, advocates argued that relocation provides many benefits.
Read More: Relocation
Dr. Seuss had it correct…
Let’s extend this to the Animal Kingdom as well!
Animal Protection Lobby Day 2017
Passing stronger laws for animals takes ongoing dedication, planning, persistence, and plenty of voices from constituents like YOU! Join us for Animal Protection Lobby Day, and help make humane the new normal in 2017.
Our 2017 legislative priorities include banning traps and poisons on public lands and ending wildlife killing contests. We will continue to be vigilant in fighting against bills that are bad for animals, and supporting other pro-animal legislation.
This is a free event! Lunch and Refreshments provided!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
9:00 AM- Registration & Refreshments (PERA Building)
10:00 AM- Citizen Lobbyist Training (PERA Building, Apodaca Hall)
11:30 AM- Lunch and Breakouts / Letter Writing Campaign (PERA Building)
1:00 PM- Group Photo on steps of PERA Building
1:30 PM- Deliver Letters to Your Legislators (Roundhouse)
2:30 PM- Press Conference / Guest Speakers (Roundhouse / Rotunda)
4:00 PM- Reception at APNM Santa Fe Office, 1111 Paseo de Peralta
Help us cover the cost of lunch for you or a community member. Suggested donation $15.00
Read more at: Lobby Day
Event Location
PERA Building1120 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Directions
We will begin our day at the P.E.R.A building, then make our way to the Roundhouse, finishing with a reception at the APV Santa Fe office.
Wildlife advocacy organizations host multi-city premiere screenings of new documentary film, seeking to end coyote killing contests in New Mexico
Santa Fe, N.M. – In advance of the 2017 New Mexico legislative session, a coalition of non-profit wildlife advocacy organizations are hosting the United States premiere of a new documentary film to raise awareness, debunk myths and inspire action to end the cruel and senseless slaughter of wildlife in killing contests. By showing the film in several locations across the state, opponents of wildlife killing contests hope to grow active support among New Mexico citizens for impending legislation to end the barbaric death games targeting coyotes.
Read more at: Coyote
Prairie dogs exploding across Wyoming grasslands
Another story of ranchers versus nature. Read more at: Explode!
A rescued prairie dog set The Wildlife Geek on a new path
The kindergarteners filed into the media center at Welcome Elementary School, then at their teacher’s direction they scooted and shuffled and sat on a floor rug all the while peeking at the assortment of Rubbermaid boxes, containers and small cages covered in blankets and towels, hiding the main focus of the event just out of view.
Standing at the front, wearing a khaki wide-brimmed hat and sporting a goatee with flecks of gray and brown hair that would flop over his eyes, Chuck Alberding greeted the students and explained the rules – they’d watch a short film (he’d shot, narrated and edited himself) then get on to the main attraction, the various creatures hiding from sight.
“Cool?” Alberding said with two thumbs up.
The video, purposely corny and featuring a high-pitched talking panda doll, introduced the students to a three-horned chameleon.
Then Alberding brought out Karma, his own three-horned chameleon. Bright green and six-inches long, the chameleon sat on a branch as Alberding placed a food morsel within striking distance. The children gathered in close to watch and “thwap” out came his tongue, long and lean, and grabbed the snack 8 inches away.
The students howled with laughter and asked for a repeat performance.
Alberding took the opportunity to talk about the chameleon’s characteristics – what they eat, where they live, how big they get – then he repeated demonstrations with his stock of reptiles, lizards and critters.
He showed off a water dragon named Moss, a veiled chameleon named Bob, a fire bellied toad named Demetri, a Pacman frog named Jabba and for his penultimate demonstration he brought out his personal favorites, prairie dogs named Amelia and Frederick.
Read more at: Geek
Prairie dog problems grow on grassland Some Campbell County commissioners aren’t sure US Forest Service has the answer
If Campbell County Commissioners are united on anything, it is their animosity for prairie dogs and the federal agencies bound to protect them. Read more at: Campbell
Project Prairie Dog
A group of advocates in Texas is working to protect the prairie dogs in the Lubbock area. Read their updates: Project Prairie Dog
Do prairie dogs benefit cattle grazing?
Ranchers have known prairie dogs can reduce rangeland forage by as much as half, but prairie dogs may significantly increase the quality of forage that regrows, according to research by a University of Wyoming master’s degree student.
Read More at: Forage
Prairie dogs to be removed from state park
Montana State Parks is moving ahead with a plan to reduce the population of prairie dogs at First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park, where burrowing by an expanding population is threatening to sink cultural resources. Read more at: Montana
A National Park for the Father of Parks
The U.S. National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016.
Woodrow Wilson, America’s 28th president, established the National Park Service in 1916 to “protect the wild and wonderful landscapes” in the United States.
But it is an earlier leader who is considered the father of the America’s national parks. In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th president, signed the American Antiquities Act. The law permitted him – and future presidents – to take immediate action to protect important cultural or natural resources.
This is an extremely timely article as B. Obama just designated two areas in Utah as parks and there are those in the government that would seek to reverse this decision. In fact some would like to PRIVATIZE our public lands! In the words of Mark Twain: Buy land, they’re not making it anymore. And perhaps he wouldn’t mind if I changed that to PROTECT our lands, they’re not making anymore.
Anyway it is a very nice article with great pictures including, of course, prairie dogs. So check out the article at: PARKS
Prairie dogs are a nuisance for most farmers and ranchers
This article is obviously biased against prairie dogs, but does provide an insight into the mindset of farmers and ranchers. There are numerous studies documenting that prairie dogs do not compete with cattle for forage as there are numerous studies documenting the opposite. It is just a matter of who performed the study. I think the answer to this is that prairie dogs become an issue for farmers and ranchers AFTER farmers and ranchers have turned PRAIRIE into farms and ranches. Read the article at:Farms and Ranches
Prairie Dog Coalition saves more than 1,500 prairie dogs this year from being buried alive
Read more at: HSUS
New Article on Prairie Dog Habitat
A new article by Rebecca Hopson, Paul Meiman, and Graeme Shannon was just published that looks at the role that prairie dogs play in the composition of urban and exurban rangelands. From the article’s abstract:
Rapid human population growth and habitat modification in the western United States has led to the formation of urban and exurban rangelands. Many of these rangelands are also home to populations of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Our study aimed to compare the vegetation composition of an urban and exurban rangeland, and explore the role that prairie dogs play in these systems. The percent absolute canopy cover of graminoids (grasses and grass-likes), forbs, shrubs, litter, and bare ground were estimated at sampling areas located on and off prairie dog colonies at an urban and an exurban site. Herbaceous forage quality and quantity were determined on plant material collected from exclosure cages located on the colony during the entire growing season, while a relative estimate of prairie dog density was calculated using maximum counts. The exurban site had more litter and plant cover and less bare ground than the urban site. Graminoids were the dominant vegetation at the exurban plots. In contrast, mostly introduced forbs were found on the urban prairie dog colony. However, the forage quality and quantity tests demonstrated no difference between the two colonies. The relative prairie dog density was greater at the urban colony, which has the potential to drive greater vegetation utilization and reduced cover. Exurban rangeland showed lower levels of impact and retained all of the plant functional groups both on- and off-colony. These results suggest that activities of prairie dogs might further exacerbate the impacts of humans in fragmented urban rangeland habitats. Greater understanding of the drivers of these impacts and the spatial scales at which they occur are likely to prove valuable in the management and conservation of rangelands in and around urban areas.
Hopson et al. (2015), Rangeland dynamics: investigating vegetation composition and structure of urban and exurban prairie dog habitat. PeerJ 3:e736; DOI 10.7717/peerj.736
Dynamics of Reintroduced Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs
We just found this great article from the April 2014 issue of Journal of Wildlife Management called “Dynamics of Reintroduced Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs” which is of interest to our followers. Enjoy!
SEASON AND APPLICATION RATES AFFECT VACCINE BAIT CONSUMPTION BY PRAIRIE DOGS IN COLORADO AND UTAH, USA.
Abstract
Abstract
Plague, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, causes high rates of mortality in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). An oral vaccine against plague has been developed for prairie dogs along with a palatable bait to deliver vaccine and a biomarker to track bait consumption. We conducted field trials between September 2009 and September 2012 to develop recommendations for bait distribution to deliver plague vaccine to prairie dogs. The objectives were to evaluate the use of the biomarker, rhodamine B, in field settings to compare bait distribution strategies, to compare uptake of baits distributed at different densities, to assess seasonal effects on bait uptake, and to measure bait uptake by nontarget small mammal species. Rhodamine B effectively marked prairie dogs’ whiskers during these field trials. To compare bait distribution strategies, we applied baits around active burrows or along transects at densities of 32, 65, and 130 baits/ha. Distributing baits at active burrows or by transect did not affect uptake by prairie dogs. Distributing baits at rates of ≥65/ha (or ≥1 bait/active burrow) produced optimal uptake, and bait uptake by prairie dogs in the autumn was superior to uptake in the spring. Six other species of small mammals consumed baits during these trials. All four species of tested prairie dogs readily consumed the baits, demonstrating that vaccine uptake will not be an obstacle to plague control via oral vaccination.
More: Plague
Prairie Dog Coalition Honors Con Slobodchikoff, Ph. D.
The Prairie Dog Coalition, a program of The Humane Society of the United States, will honor those who have helped protect prairie dogs at the 9th annual “Living on Burrowed Time IX” gala on Oct. 26. This year’s event will celebrate and honor special guest Con Slobodchikoff, Ph. D. as Prairie Dog Protector of the Year.
Slobodchikoff, Ph. D., professor emeritus at Northern Arizona University, director of the Animal Language Institute, and president and CEO of Animal Communications, Ltd. Slobodchikoff is a world-renowned animal behaviorist who has been studying prairie dog communication for more than 30 years. Last year, he was featured on BBC and NPR for his research on animal communication and published Chasing Dr. Doolittle: Learning the Language of Animals.
Read more at: PDC honors C. Slobodchikoff
Surviving prairie dog from exterminated colony gains sympathizers
Employees at businesses neighboring an exterminated prairie dog village have become protective of a lone survivor. 
Parker residents continue to talk about the apparent gassing of the now-barren colony, which encompassed at least half a dozen properties on the northeast corner of Mainstreet and Twenty Mile Road. There are no development plans for the land, a point that has some questioning why the extermination took place.
Clovis does it again!
Clovis hates prairie dogs
By a 6-1 vote, city commissioners approved final passage of an ordinance that added the creatures to the city’s definition of public nuisance and required property owners to, “maintain their property as to control, and to the extent possible, eradicate disease carrying or poisonous animals.”
Land deal will help rural airports, Utah prairie dog
SALT LAKE CITY — As part of an ongoing effort to preserve habitat for Utah prairie dogs yet offset their impacts to rural airports, 800 acres of school trust lands property will be sold to The Nature Conservancy.
The transaction, announced Tuesday, happened with Federal Aviation Administration dollars, with the agency planning to pay $800,000 to the Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration.
In exchange, the conservancy will get 800 acres of prime prairie dog habitat on Johnson’s Bench in Garfield County.
A Letter to the Boulder Weekly
As grievances with prairie dogs continue to grow throughout the West and colonies are being demolished, someone needs to be a strong voice for these tiny creatures. The Prairie Dog Coalition is dedicated to the protection of imperiled prairie dogs and restoration of their ecosystems.
A fortunate few have seen prairie dogs as they nibble on grass, run between burrows, touch noses and kiss. And it’s heartbreaking to know one day their presence may be gone. Survival of the prairie dog is critical to the continued existence of the prairie ecosystem–one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.
Nine different wildlife species depend on prairie dog populations and their habitat for their survival. Endangered black-footed ferrets, owls, hawks, foxes and about 200 other species are associated with prairie dogs and their habitat. By planning ahead and working prairie dogs into open space plans, we can help direct their path of migration to the best habitats for them. By setting aside conservation areas for this native, keystone animal we can enjoy the prairie dogs and their associated species in our natural environment.
Prairie dogs now occupy just 2 percent to 8 percent of their historic range, and without serious conservation efforts, they may soon disappear. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to help the prairie dog ecosystem recover so that future generations can enjoy healthy wildlife populations, too.
Training volunteers and professional wildlife biologists on the latest nonlethal techniques to manage prairie dog populations humanely is a good first step to help protect these animals and restore their ecosystems. To ensure the protection of prairie dogs and their ecosystem, we must work together. The Prairie Dog Coalition, managed by The Humane Society of the United States, is working to fulfill this mission by providing information and advocacy training, facilitating communication and planning, and promoting conservation projects.
Ultimately, a conscious concern for these animals is necessary for retaining the beauty and majestic nature that is the prairie dog and the North American grasslands. Help us put an end to their demise and invigorate the prairie ecosystem once again.
Lindsey Sterling-Krank, director of The Prairie Dog Coalition/Boulder
Habitat Improvement
Many areas where prairie dogs live need habitat improvement as the natural vegetation has been disturbed or destroyed. Prairie dogs need grasses and weeds to eat. Cactus is a drought source of food and moisture for them. Where areas have been made barren due to plowing and bulldozing, cactus from other areas can be transplanted. It is one of the few plants that will survive transplanting without water. FYI, It is illegal to take cacti from wild areas.
Regenerating native grasses and vegetation takes years, especially with little rainfall and no supplemental water supply. Once an area is disturbed or over populated it is very difficult to restore the grasses because the prairie dogs will eat any new growth.
How To Transplant Cacti
Prickly pear and broadleaf can be planted by placing them in shallow troughs. The supplies you will need are tongs, clippers, gloves and containers to hold the pads – plastic bags are not advisable because the needles can poke through the plastic. A hedge clipper is the best tool for cutting the pads and tongs are best for picking them up. The cacti can be cut into medium sized sections of 3 to 6 pads. There is no need to dig up the roots. The needles come off easily, even in a strong wind, so take care in handling the pads. They can be kept in a shady area for a day until ready for transplanting.
Transplant 3 to 6 pads so that the cut edge of at least one pad can be buried in a shallow trough. Cacti are hardy – a pad can fall off a plant and laying flat on the ground will put out roots and start a new plant.
The prairie dogs may eat the cactus you are planting if they do not have enough food. Try to provide enough food, carrots, greens, alfalfa pellets, fresh cut grass clippings, etc. so that they will not eat the cacti.
Compatible Landscape Design Surrounding Prairie Dog Colonies
Do not plant lawn grasses near by as they will be drawn to it. If an area already has lawn grasses you can let it grow naturally, reduce the watering and add decorative rocks, forbs, native grasses and pines and you will have a xeriscape compatible with prairie dogs. If you have trees that are enticing to prairie dogs, you might want to consider getting rid of them by taking the help of certain Tree Removal services. It can be hard to part with a tree you’ve cared for and grown for many years, but it is an inevitable part of landscaping. And on the upside, a new tree can take their place. For example, pine trees can be planted because the prairie dogs will not normally eat them unless they have no other food. Well, a landscaping project might require lot of experience and manpower so trying to accomplish it singlehandedly could be futile. You can however contact landscaping firms (like Milestone Dubai – Landscaping, Pools, Interiors, or the ones like them in the vicinity) and let them know about your requirements which could help them renovate the area according to you.
Habitat improvement is a hard but satisfying work. It should be done in areas where the prairie dogs will be allowed to stay. In Albuquerque we currently have several areas on parkland where prairie dogs can live in their family groups with the support and assistance of caring people.
See this article to find out about native prairie forbs and this one about native grasses which you can use for landscaping!