ECO-QUOTE: “The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive.” —E.O. Wilson American pika     Image courtesy of chris.ray@colorado.edu

Front Range Pika Project

The American pika is a cold-adapted, diurnal member of the rabbit family known for its high-pitched alarm calls. These herbivores (plant eaters) live in high-altitude rock fields at or above tree line. Pikas cannot survive high temperatures and are unable to migrate easily to newer habitats in response to warming. For this reason they may act as a “canary-in-the-coal mine” species for the early detection of climate change. This Denver Zoo citizen science monitoring project needs volunteers to hike into certain pika habitats along the Colorado Front Range to determine if pikas are still present there. Results from this study will provide long-term data useful for the management and conservation of this native species.

I-70 Wildlife Watch Program.

This is part of an on-going effort to increase driver awareness and reduce costly collisions along the I-70 corridor. Every year, thousands of animals attempt to cross this busy freeway in an effort to reach vital areas of habitat that have been bisected by I-70. Participation is fun and easy—all you have to do is report when and where you spot wildlife along I-70 when you drive between Golden and Glenwood Springs. These data will then be used to plan safety measures to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and allow safe passage for wildlife. For more information, please visit http://i-70wildlifewatch.org. 

Ecology and social behavior of white-tailed prairie dogs

Prairie dogs are unique rodents with strong community ties and complex vocalizations. Prairie dogs and their actions heavily influence grassland ecosystems. They create habitat for a variety of other species that utilize unoccupied burrows, prefer the low-lying vegetation on colonies or feed on prairie dogs and other species they attract. Unfortunately, many people regard prairie dogs as “pests;” systematic shooting and poisoning campaigns, coupled with devastating plague outbreaks have reduced their population by about 90%. Since 1998, Denver Zoo has provided funding and volunteer support for this prairie dog project conducted by John Hoogland, Ph.D. (University of Maryland). Dr.  Hoogland, an expert on prairie dogs, has studied the five prairie dog species in their native habitats for the past 36 years. His long-term research with marked individuals has led to a better understanding of several pivotal issues in behavioral ecology and population biology. In particular, he is interested in questions pertaining to reproduction behaviors and alarm calling.  Every spring and fall, Dr. Hoogland needs volunteers to help with his recapture and behavioral studies in northwestern Colorado.