(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
OTHER COMMON NAMES - PRAIRIE DOG and UTAH
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Mammals
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAMMALIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - RODENTIA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - SCIURIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CYNOMYS,
SPECIES AND SSP - PARVIDENS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CYNOMYS PARVIDENS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Utah Prairie Dog
Cynomys parvidens J.A. Allen, 1905
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Mammal
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Rodentia FAMILY: Sciuridae
The Utah prairie dog belongs to the whitetail group (subgenus
Leucocrossuromys) of prairie dogs. It is smaller and more slender than
those of the blacktail group (subgenus Cynomys). Adults range between
305-360 mm in body length, 30-60 mm tail length, 55-66 mm hind foot
length, and 12-16 mm ear length. The species is distinguished by its
short white-tipped tail and black "eyebrows". Coloring of fur grades
from black, pale buff, or cinnamon, tipped with dark brown or pale
buff. Mouth and chin are whitish and underparts are cinnamon to pale
buff. The Utah prairie dog has 5 pairs of mammae (01,02).
Some disagreement on classification of the Utah prairie dog,
Cynomys parvidens (J.A. Allen, 1905) has occurred. Palmer (1954)
suggested that the 3 whitetail species, C. leucurus (Merriam, 1890),
C. gunnisoni (Baird, 1855), and C. parvidens be grouped together under
C. gunnisoni (02). It was thought that C. parvidens and C. leucurus
were once a single interbreeding population. However, no
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
intergradation between the species has been found, and it is believed
that genetic integrity has been maintained (01). The 3 species remain
in separate classifications within the whitetail group. A species
description may be obtained from Pizzimenti and Collier (03).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Pest
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
Non-consumptive recreational
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) has been designated as
Threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 DFR
17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended.
The species has this status wherever found including the State of
Utah. The species was originally listed as Endangered but was
reclassified as Threatened in 1984. No Critical Habitat has been
designated for the species.
Special rules concerning "take" for this species can be found in
50 CFR 17.40(G).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE: Utah
DESIGNATED STATUS: Protected Wildlife
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Div. of Wildl. Resour.
STATE STATUTE: Utah Code Annot. 23-13-2 to 23-13-4.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Utah prairie dog is listed as Vulnerable in the 1986 IUCN Red
List of Threatened Animals.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The species has provided recreational benefits in the past, both
consumptive and non-consumptive. However, it is considered a pest by
local ranchers and farmers as the species may compete with cattle for
forage, and disrupt farming operations.
70/08/25:35 FR 13519/13520 - Add to Endangered fish & wildlife list
70/10/13:35 FR 16047/16048 - Deletion from Endangered wildlife list
73/06/04:38 FR 14678/ - Add to Endangered fish & wildlife list
75/05/16:40 FR 21499/21500 - Intent to determine Critical Habitat
79/05/21:44 FR 29566/29567 - Notice of Status Review
83/05/13:48 FR 21604/21607 - Proposal to reclassify as threatened
84/05/29:49 FR 22330/22334 - Reclassified as Threatened
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Utah prairie dog is restricted to the southwestern quarter
of Utah (01). It is commonly associated with open rangeland, and with
agricultural or abandoned farm land producing crops such as alfalfa
and oats. Colonies seem to prefer swale formations (moist ground) at
low elevations of 2200 m or lower. Some water may be present in such
areas during part of the year. Ideal prairie dog habitat consists of
short grass interspersed with bare ground and patches of forbs. This
type of habitat can be found in grassy upland and mountain areas.
Colonies are usually located on slopes of less than 5 percent (01,02,
04).
Deep, well-drained soil is necessary for burrows to reduce the
chance of flooding, and to allow burrowing deep enough for temperature
insulation and protection from predators. Soil color may also be
important in providing cryptic coloration (05).
The species requires moist vegetation, preferably cool season
grasses and perennial forbs. Vegetation is best located close to the
home burrow, generally not more than 300 m away. This is especially
important in spring and summer when young are raised (01,04). Height
of vegetation must be low enough (6 inches or less) to allow a
standing prairie dog to see over or through it (02).
Some cattle grazing on rangeland where Utah prairie dogs occur is
beneficial, as it replaces tall grass with short grass and open
patches. However, if overgrazing is allowed to occur on these
rangelands, particularly in spring or summer, resulting pinyon/juniper
shrub growth and soil erosion will damage habitat (01,04).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Poaceae
General
General Forb Leaves/Stems
General Forb Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Deciduous Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Terrestrial Features: Burrows
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The Utah prairie dog feeds primarily on grasses, alfalfa, and
forbs. Alfalfa and grasses such as western wheatgrass are preferred
during all seasons. Forbs are usually eaten when available, as during
the summer, or during times of drought. In summer months, prairie
dogs have been observed taking insects, particularly Cicadidae. These
insects were eaten most often by adults; the young may be unable to
catch them (04). Occasionally, prairie dogs will eat the flowering
parts of shrubs during the fall. Dead vegetation and cattle feces may
also be eaten. The portions of plants consumed by prairie dogs, in
order of preference, are flowers, seeds, young leaves, and old leaves.
Stems are rarely consumed (01). Cannibalism occurs occasionally in
late summer during pup dispersal when a lot of aggression is
occurring.
Most of the species' intake of water comes from vegetation, and
moist vegetation is essential during the months prairie dogs are above
ground. Foraging occurs from late February through early December at
lower elevations. Daily food consumption is greatest during late
spring when the prairie dog population is highest, and least during
November to February when the animals are dormant. Adult females
require twice the normal energy per day during breeding and lactation,
so palatable early spring vegetation is essential. The availability
of such vegetation is a major limiting factor to Utah prairie dog
populations. Colony expansion is greatest when alfalfa or other cool
season vegetation is available (01,04). Grasses and forbs are
essential to the survival of the species as a whole and must be
present throughout summer and fall months to enable enough weight to
be gained by prairie dogs to survive the winter (04). (A fall
green-up occurs in most areas in August through Septmeber, depending
on water availability and can really affect the prairie dogs weight).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The Utah prairie dog is a colonial species and lives in "towns"
which consist of many individual animals and burrows. In the past
such towns have included hundreds of square miles (02). Little
information has been published concerning home range and territory.
Palmer (1954) states that home range of prairie dogs in general is
usually less than 40 yards in diameter (02). A 1974 study indicated
that home ranges were elongate in shape (07). Home ranges of 3 adult
males averaged 460 m in length and 4.7 ha in area. Those of adult
females averaged 270 m in length and 2.3 ha in area. It was not clear
if defensive behavior occurred around reproductive territories, the
parturition burrows, but male and female prairie dogs did not move
more than 60 m outside this central area before mid-June. Very little
fighting or chasing took place in or around this area prior to
mid-June. The dispersal of pups in late summer involves a lot of
aggressive behavior. Thereafter, individual prairie dogs ranged
between 100-300 m from their home burrows to feeding areas (07). The
dispersing of juveniles extended much farther than 300 meters.
PERIODICITY:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
The Utah prairie dog is diurnal. The species is usually only
active above ground from late February to early December, and from
November to February the animals become dormant (04). However, some
prairie dogs may emerge from their burrows during mild winter weather
(02). Prairie dog activity varies with altitude and weather
conditions (snow and temp.).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The species is non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The species requires a well-developed burrow for adequate cover
and shelter. Many extra shallow burrows are dug in the colony and are
used in late summer by juveniles. It must be deep enough to provide
protection from predators and temperature and moisture extremes (01).
The burrow entrance may be up to 2 feet high and 4 inches in diameter,
followed by a 6-8 inch tunnel which narrows to 4-5 inches (02). The
tunnel drops down steeply 3-16 feet, and then turns horizontally or
upward again. This portion serves as a nest chamber and usually has
side branches. A "listening room" may also be located 3-6 feet below
the burrow entrance (02). Vegetation surrounding the prairie dog
burrow is usually short grass of less than 6 inches in height to allow
the animal to see over or through it to detect predators. Vegetation
around the burrow should also be clear or of minimum height or density
for many yards (01,02).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Breeding sites of the Utah prairie dog occur within the colony,
and parturition (nursery) burrows are usually located within the
central area of the colony (07). The nest chamber is located
3-16 feet below the burrow entrance (02). Dead vegetation, usually
grass, is collected for nesting material and lines the burrow (01).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Social groups of Utah prairie dogs appear to be "clans", usually
consisting of a male, one or several females, and their young, which
associate closely within a defined area (08). They are loosely
organized with adult females playing the major role in caring for the
young and warning of danger. The species breeds one time per year
during early spring. Gestation is approximately 30 days and the young
are born mid- to late April. Average litter size is 4-6, but litters
may range from 2-10 young. The young become sexually mature at one
year (01). Some females may breed at one year of age (02).
PARENTAL CARE:
At birth, prairie dogs are helpless and are born with eyes
closed, are hairless and weigh approximately 1/2 oz. The eyes open in
33-37 days, and fur becomes well-developed in 26 days. The mother
continues lactation throughout June. Beginning in late May, the
5-7 week old young emerge from the burrow. They are weaned about one
week later and become completely dependent on green vegetation for
food. After weaning, the mother digs a new burrow, or moves to an
empty one, and parental care ceases. The young remain at their natal
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
burrow for another few weeks, then leave to singly occupy empty
burrows within the colony (01,02). Juveniles reach adult size by
October and usually remain above ground one to two months longer than
adults (01).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Utah prairie dog populations decreased from 95,000 in 1920
to less than 3,000 in 1979. One limiting factor is the loss of
habitat to urban and agricultural development. Overgrazing and
vegetational changes have also contributed to the loss of suitable
habitat. Predation by badgers, coyotes, weasels and raptors does not
have a significant controlling influence on established colonies, but
does in new, transplanted, or diseased colonies. Disease and illegal
poisoning may also be limiting factors in some areas.
The transplant program managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources has been very successful. The techniques for transplanting
have been refined enough that it will only be a matter of time to
reach the recovery goals. A positive trend in population numbers has
occurred since 1976. Another indication of the success of the
recovery efforts has been the decrease in percentage of prairie dogs
on private land from a high of 83 percent in 1980 to a low of 53.8
percent in 1986.
A study by Wright-Smith (1978) found there were a third to twice
as many adult females as adult males at 2 study sites (08). The sex
ratios of young were reversed: males were more numerous than females.
Yearlings constituted 5-20 percent of the adult population, and were
considered important in the Utah prairie dog age structure because of
their breeding capacity. The oldest known prairie dogs were
non-breeding females at least 3 years of age (08).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Badgers (Taxidea taxus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) may be the
main predators of the Utah prairie dog. Badgers in particular may be
significant predators, but are not generally believed to greatly
impact the species except in newly established colonies. Campbell and
Clark found that a significantly higher percentage of burrow openings
were reamed by badgers on white-tailed colonies than on black-tailed
prairie dog colonies (06). Badgers are especially important predators
on juvenile prairie dogs in shallow or new burrows during dispersal or
on transplant sites.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Supplemental Feeding
Beneficial Disease Control Measures
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vertebrates
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Climate Alteration
Existing Climate Alteration
Adverse Food Supply Reduction
Existing Food Supply Reduction
Adverse Disease
Existing Disease
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Predator control
Existing Predator control
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
Adverse Suppressing wildfire
Existing Suppressing wildfire
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The Utah prairie dog declined from an estimated 95,000 in
1920 to approximately 3,000 in 1979. Several reasons exist but a
major factor in the past has been climatic change. Over the species'
range, climate has steadily become drier as temperatures increased.
This change has allowed the growth of salt-shrub vegetation, reducing
forage on the prairie dog's habitat. Overgrazing by cattle in the
spring and summer has accelerated the vegetational shift from grasses
to shrubs (01,04).
Attempts to control prairie dogs in the historic range of
C. parvidens occurred as far back as 1921. Treatment of National
Forest lands was carried out in 1924 and 1936 (01). Extensive
poisoning campaigns continued in attempts to reduce supposed prairie
dog conflict with cattle and agriculture. Utah prairie dog colonies
were completely exterminated in large areas especially on U.S. Forest
Service lands. Poisoning is occasionally still a problem, as some
individuals continue poisoning on private lands (01,05).
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
At present the most serious threat to the species is loss of
habitat to agriculture and housing developments on private land.
Overgrazing on private and some public lands is a problem. Vegetation
continues to shift from grass to shrubs. In addition to competition
with cattle, the Utah prairie dog may be competing with the Uinta
ground squirrel (Spermophilus armatus) in northcentral Utah at the
limits of its range (01,04,05).
Other factors affecting the species are geographic barriers which
prevent expansion of present populations, diseases such as bubonic
and sylvatic plague (recently introduced diseases), and predation by
natural predators, such as badgers (01,06). One type of barrier is a
pinyon/juniper vegetational cover invasion/expansion which was created
as a result of grazing and fire control.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Utah Prairie Dog Recovery
Plan. Agency Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Denver, CO. 43 pp.
The primary objective of the proposed recovery plan for the
Utah prairie dog is to establish and maintain a minimum base group
of 40 and a buffer group of 10 (total of 50) geographically-dispersed,
self-sustaining colonies of the species on selected public and private
lands within their historic range. Recommended actions for the
recovery of this species include:
1) research to determine historic and present range and
population levels,
2) annual censuses of spring breeding populations to
indicate minimum breeding population numbers,
3) determine what factors influence the viability of an
established prairie dog colony through vegetation sampling
and measurements of temperature, precipitation, elevation,
etc.,
4) selection and management of transplant sites for prairie
dog release,
5) conduct transplant programs (capture and release),
6) create new burrows, provide temporary food and water to
newly released animals,
7) manage predators by removing them if necessary,
8) treat prairie dogs for ectoparasites before release into
new locations,
9) monitor transplanted populations by marking and attaching
radios before releases are made,
10) ensure protection of prairie dogs and their habitat on both
existing and transplanted sites, on public and private
lands,
11) manage prairie dog towns by developing and implementing
site specific management plans for each colony or
transplant site,
12) control and remove native vegetation to suit prairie dog
needs, and
13) conduct an information and education program to initiate
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
public awareness.
Law enforcement efforts by State and Federal agencies will be
increased to eliminate poisoning and poaching.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species PRAIRIE DOG, UTAH
Species Id ESIS056001
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Utah Prairie Dog Recovery
Plan. Agency Draft. Utah Div. of Wildl. Resour., Salt Lake City,
UT. 45 pp.
02 Palmer, R.S. 1954. The mammal guide; mammals of North America
north of Mexico. Doubleday, Garden City, NY.
03 Pizzimenti, J.J. and G.D. Collier. 1975. Cynomys parvidens.
Mammalian Species 52:1-3.
04 Crocker-Bedford, D.C. and J.J. Spillett. 1981. Habitat
relationships of the Utah prairie dog. UT Div. of Wildl. Resourc.
Salt Lake City, UT. 29 pp.
05 Collier, G.D. and J.J. Spillett. 1973. The Utah prairie
dog-decline of a legend. UT Science 34:83-87.
06 Campbell, T.M. III and T.W. Clark. 1981. Colony characteristics
and vertebrate associates of white-tailed and black-tailed prairie
dogs in WY. The Am. Midl. Nat. 105:269-276.
07 Crocker-Bedford, D.C. and J.J. Spillett. 1977. Home ranges of
Utah prairie dogs. J. Mamm. 58:672-673.
08 Wright-Smith, M.A. 1978. The ecology and social organization of
Cynomys parvidens (UT prairie dog) in south central UT. M.A.
thesis Indiana Univ. 44 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Utah Prairie Dog Recovery
Plan. Agency Draft. Utah Div. of Wildl. Res., Salt Lake City, UT.
43 pp.
02 Crocker-Bedford, D.C. 1975. Quarterly report for January-March.
UT Coop. Wildl. Res. Unit, UT State Univ., Logan, UT.
03 Crocker-Bedford, D.C. and J.J. Spillett. 1981. Habitat
relationships of the Utah prairie dog. UT Div. of Wildl. Resour.,
Salt Lake City, UT. 29 pp.
References - 1