Prairie dogs and the grassland habitat in which they play a key ecological role have declined precipitously over the past two centuries. The current number of prairie dogs is believed to be less than 2 percent of the number encountered by Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s, and only a fraction of grassland ecosystem remains. Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog offers specific information to help scientists and managers develop rigorous plans for ensuring the long-term survival of the prairie dog and its habitat. With contributions from thirty leading biologists who are actively working to save prairie dogs, the book addresses a range of pivotal issues including: the ecology and social behavior of prairie dogs; the prairie dog's role as a keystone species; factors that have led to drastic population declines; practical solutions for protecting the prairie dog and its grassland ecosystem; and concerns of farmers and ranchers who view prairie dogs as a nuisance and a threat to their livelihoods Extensively illustrated with tables, figures, photos, and charts, and thoroughly referenced with more than 700 citations, the book is a unique and vital contribution for anyone concerned with prairie dogs, prairie dog conservation, or the conservation and management of grassland ecosystems.
Preface
Chapter 1. Introduction: Why Care about Prairie Dogs?
PART I. Natural History of Prairie Dogs Chapter 2. Social Behavior of Prairie Dogs Chapter 3. Demography and Population Dynamics of Prairie Dogs Chapter 4. The Prairie Dog as a Keystone Species Chapter 5. Do Prairie Dogs Compete with Livestock?
PART II. Why Have So Many Prairie Dogs Disappeared? Chapter 6. Estimating the Abundance of Prairie Dogs Chapter 7. Attitudes and Perceptions about Prairie Dogs Chapter 8. Past and Current Chemical Control of Prairie Dogs Chapter 9. Methods and Economics of Managing Prairie Dogs Chapter 10. Recreational Shooting of Prairie Dogs Chapter 11. Conservation of Prairie Dogs in Areas with Plague Chapter 12. Does the Prairie Dog Merit Protection Via the Endangered Species Act?
PART III. Conservation of Prairie Dog Chapter 13. Establishment of New Prairie Dog Colonies by Translocation Chapter 14. A Multi-State Plan to Conserve Prairie Dogs Chapter 15. Role of Federal Lands in the Conservation of Prairie Dogs Chapter 16. Focal Areas for Conservation of Prairie Dogs and the Grassland Ecosystem Chapter 17. A Proposal for More Effective Conservation of Prairie Dogs Chapter 18. Saving Prairie Dogs: Can We? Should We?
Appendix A. Common and Scientific Names Appendix B. Acronyms Appendix C. Calculations for Chapter 10 Glossary References List of Contributors Index
