An economic analysis of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) control

Abstract

Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) control by poisoning with zinc phosphide was not economically feasible in the Conata Basin of South Dakota. Economic analyses were conducted from U.S. Forest Service and rancher viewpoints. Control programs were analyzed with annual maintenance or complete retreatment of initially treated areas to prevent prairie dog repopulation and, except for annual maintenance at low repopulation rates, were unable to recover initial control costs. At a prairie dog repopulation rate of 30% per year (the most realistic projection), prairie dog control was not economically feasible and annual maintenance control costs were greater than the annual value of forage gained. Control benefit was forage gained on treated areas. With an increase of approximately 51 kg/ha of cattle forage, over 7 ha of initial prairie dog control were required to gain 1 AUM per year for the life of the treatment.

Citation

Collins, Alan R.; Workman, John P.; Uresk, Daniel W. 1984. An economic analysis of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) control. Journal of range management 37(4): 358-361