Prairie Dog Monitoring

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are members of the squirrel family and were once major components of ecosystems in the Great Plains

NPS

Importance

Black-tailed prairie dogs are an ecologically dominant species that influences grassland biodiversity, vegetation composition and structure, forage availability, and nutrient cycling. Several species such as the burrowing owl, mountain plover and ferruginous hawks are closely tied to prairie dog towns. Prairie dog management is highly controversial, and managers need data on current status, trends and distribution to facilitate and defend management decisions.

Monitoring Objectives

• At Scotts Bluff National Monument, determine area and spatial characteristics of active towns annually.

Parks Monitored

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Monitoring Documents

Read more about prairie dog monitoring in the monitoring reports (detailed results) or protocols (monitoring procedures) below.

Monitoring Reports

Source: Data Store Saved Search 1200. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

Protocol Documents

Source: Data Store Saved Search 1199. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

For More Information

Contact

Kara Paintner

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