Life Sciences Commons^™

Ecological Status Of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs On Boulder, Colorado Open Space And Mountain Parks Land: An Analysis Of Select Indicators, Rachel A. Caldwell

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are ecosystem regulators, significantly influencing the surrounding ecosystem. On Boulder County, Colorado Open Space and Mountain Parks land, and throughout their range, prairie dogs affect a number of ecological functions including plant dynamics and associated animals. The ability of prairie dogs to promote the wellbeing of associated plant and animal species depends on the condition of prairie dog populations. One way to evaluate the current condition of prairie dogs and predict their future impact on the ecosystem is to evaluate the status of prairie dogs in relation to specific indicators. I address the …