Plant compositional change in a colony of black-tailed prairie dogs in South Dakota

Abstract

Peak season multi-species cover of vegetation and burrow mound density were estimated for 3 years along a transect that ran from the geometric center of a black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colony, to its edge. The forb dominated core of the colony expanded 25 m in radius during the study, while plant composition changed dramatically in a small (2=0.72, P<0.001), occurred only after shortgrasses were reduced below 75% cover. The density of burrow mounds was positively correlated to compositional change (r=0.58; P<0.01). We observed that burrow mounds provided early sites for the establishment of forms. However, after the canopy cover of shortgrasses receded below 75% (in this location, probably from 4 to 7 years after initial inhabitancy by prairie dogs), extensive compositional changes occurred between burrow mounds.

Parent Publication

• Ninth Great Plains wildlife damage control workshop proceedings

Citation

Cincotta, Richard P.; Uresk, Daniel W.; Hansen, Richard M. 1989. Plant compositional change in a colony of black-tailed prairie dogs in South Dakota. In: Bjugstad, Ardell J.; Uresk, Daniel W.; Hamre, R.H., technical coordinators. Ninth Great Plains wildlife damage control workshop proceedings. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-171. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 171-177.