 Prairie dogs were once a widespread herbivore throughout the Great Plains landscape. Since the beginning of the 19th Century, the black-tailed prairie dog has experienced a 98% reduction in its distribution. Their habitat has been fragmented by development and converted to farmland. Their population has been further reduced by poisoning programs, recreational shooting, and sylvatic plague. Black-tailed prairie dogs are listed as Threatened by The World Conservation Union (IUCN), but are classified as lower-risk.
The objective of this study is to determine whether the presence of black-tailed prairie dogs influences avian diversity. Researchers conducted numerous counts of both the prairie dog population as well as the populations of various bird species in the area.
Results showed no significant differences in avian population numbers between colonized and uncolonized sites, but the diversity of species did appear to be affected. Avian diversity was greater on colonized than uncolonized sites.
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