In the 1900s, prairie dog populations numbered around one billion.  But their numbers had decreased dramatically to around 20 million as a result of habitat destruction, poisoning or shooting by farmers,  and the sylvatic plague.

Prairie dogs are considered a keystone species because they play an integral role in promoting animal and plant diversity in the Great Plains.  Their grazing and burrowing activity promotes a fertile environment for a variety of vegetation, which in turn attracts a multitude of herbivores like pronghorns, bison, and rabbits. Their burrows sometimes become homes for rabbits, salamanders, snakes, and burrowing owls. Finally, prairie dogs provide an ample food source for golden eagles, hawks, swift foxes, coyotes, badgers, and endangered black-footed ferrets.

For this reason, environmental activists are concerned about the lack of protection for the black-tailed prairie dog.

For more information about the new ruling, see the NY Times.

To learn more about the black-tailed prairie dog, see Animal Fact Guide’s article: Black-tailed Prairie Dog.

Yesterday, the Maryland Zoo opened its new $500,000 prairie dog habitat.  Unfortunately, within ten minutes, several prairie dogs tested the limits of their new home and found multiple escape routes.  Climbing and jumping over the walls, the prairie dogs had zoo workers in a frenzy chasing after them with nets.

In the end, all the prairie dogs were returned and the enclosure was secured.

For more info, see: Baltimore Sun

To learn more about prairie dogs and their interesting behavior, see Animal Fact Guide’s article about Black-tailed Prairie Dogs.