Researchers have pinpointed crucial regions for the conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog across the United States. Protecting these areas will have positive effects not only for the prairie dogs but also for North America’s Central Grasslands and the diverse range of grassland species that thrived there long ago.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified key regions in the United States, from Montana to Texas and New Mexico to Arizona, that are vital for black-tailed prairie dog conservation. Safeguarding these areas will also support North America’s Central Grasslands and the various grassland species that once thrived there.
North America’s Central Grasslands were once as rich in species as Africa’s Serengeti, providing a habitat for millions of bison, pronghorns, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, numerous grassland birds, and, of course, prairie dogs. Today, this ecosystem, extending from Canada to Mexico, is among the most endangered globally, experiencing significant declines in native wildlife, including almost total loss of wolves and grizzly bears, over 95% decline in bison and prairie dog populations, and a 50% reduction in grassland bird species.
After analyzing ecological, political, and social factors, including climate change and land usage in the central and western United States, CSU researchers have created a strategic map that highlights the best landscapes for black-tailed prairie dog conservation. Preserving this habitat is essential for the many grassland species that rely on prairie dogs for sustenance and shelter.
This research, published in Diversity and Distributions in January, along with the accompanying maps, aims to influence state, regional, and national conservation strategies. It supports the objective of protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 by identifying key conservation areas to maximize the use of limited resources.
Leading the study is Ana Davidson, a research scientist at CSU linked with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Department. Collaborating with fellow researchers, including Michael Menefee, Davidson worked with scientists and state biologists as part of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Western Grasslands Initiative. Together, they pinpointed the most intact and connected grasslands that demonstrate long-term stability amid climate and land use changes.
In their efforts, they also evaluated the political and social contexts within these areas, such as available funding and public support for conservation, to gauge community willingness to engage in prairie dog habitat preservation.
“Grasslands are on the decline primarily because they are essential for agricultural use, leading to potential conflicts between livestock production and habitat loss to farming,” Davidson explained.
The findings of this research can be accessed through an interactive map, which outlines the geographical distribution of black-tailed prairie dogs across parts of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The map highlights the top 10% and 30% of areas with the greatest conservation potential for the prairie dog ecosystem.
Davidson’s core research group, named “Homes on the Range,” includes scientists from various organizations including the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Humane Society of the United States, Prairie Dog Coalition, WAFWA, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Research Services. They are actively pursuing significant grants to implement conservation projects in priority areas and aim to strengthen partnerships with local ranchers, conservation groups, and biologists.
Davidson emphasized that the initiative is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, as rural communities have unique needs that may vary significantly. For instance, the requirements of a Wyoming community might differ from those in southeastern Colorado or tribal communities in South Dakota.
Lindsey Sterling-Krank, a co-author and conflict resolution expert at the Humane Society of the United States, stated, “We aim to collaborate with communities to address local priorities that help both prairie dog ecosystem conservation and the coexistence of human activities.”
According to Davidson, this research and the generated maps will also contribute to State Wildlife Action Plans and larger grassland conservation initiatives like the Central Grasslands Roadmap and The North American Grasslands Conservation Act.
“Projects like the Homes on the Range are making considerable strides toward the ambitious goals of preserving the lands and waters that sustain all life globally,” commented co-author Fernanda Thiesen Brum, a spatial prioritization scientist on The Nature Conservancy’s Global Science Team.
Prairie dogs: Keystone species of the grasslands
The destruction of grasslands can be traced back to harmful farming practices from the late 1800s, resulting in significant repercussions for the prairie dog ecosystem. A massive government-led effort in the early 1990s aimed to eradicate prairie dogs due to their competition with livestock for grazing. Later, the introduction of a non-native disease from Asia, commonly known as the “plague,” further exacerbated the decline of their populations. This downward spiral has led to the decrease of various species that depend on prairie dogs for survival.
Prairie dog colonies, often referred to as “towns,” create habitats for numerous animal species. Their extensive underground networks provide shelter for wildlife, such as burrowing owls. Prairie dogs are also crucial prey for predators like the endangered black-footed ferret, hawks, and eagles. They enhance soil quality through aeration and organic matter, and maintain open grassland habitats that attract bird species like mountain plovers.
Once a prairie dog colony takes root, floral diversity increases, drawing a variety of species to these grassland havens for feeding, foraging, pollination, and nesting.
“This prairie dog recovery initiative is fundamentally about the ecosystem,” Davidson noted. “Focusing on prairie dogs allows us to achieve significant ecological benefits. By reintroducing or protecting prairie dogs, we can see revitalization throughout the ecosystem, bringing back foxes, eagles, and rabbits to areas bustling with birds and insects.”
Davidson pointed out that compared to other ecosystems like the redwood forest, Central Grasslands often go unnoticed. “Grasslands receive insufficient study, funding, and appreciation, and they carry an important narrative waiting to be shared,” she concluded.
