The Effects of Habitat Modifications on Utah Prairie Dog (Cynomys parvidens) Density, Survival, and Reproduction in an Established Colony
Mackley J. 1985. The Effects of Habitat Modifications on Utah Prairie Dog (Cynomys parvidens) Density, Survival, and Reproduction in an Established Colony
Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens Allen) life history data were collected from 1985 to 1987 in Johns Valley, Garfield County, Utah as part of a study to evaluate the feasibility of increasing Utah prairie dog populations by 'modifying the habitat. Habitat treatments evaluated were: applications of 2.2 kg/ha 2,4-D for two treatments, one of which was followed by reseeding, and a mechanical treatment followed by reseeding. Response variables were: prairie dog density, litter sizes, weight gains, subcutaneous fat, forage available, shrub density and cover, and forage preference. Treatments had no significant effect on response variables. The adult sex ratio averaged 1.8 females per male. An average of 73% of all prairie dogs were juveniles in 1986. Female survival rates were 33% for juveniles, and 31 % for the same cohort the second year. At least 5% of the adult females survived at least 3 years. Average litter sizes of emergent prairie dogs were 3.6 juveniles per female. An average of 97% of the adult females were in breeding condition each year. Prairie dogs migrated an average of 0.56 km per migration event.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Mackley, James
- Date of Issue
- 1985-06-04
- Units
- BRCA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, burrow, Garfield County Utah, Habitat, Herbicide, Johns Valley Utah, Mammals, Plant Communities, Restoration-Natural, Threatened-Endangered-Sensitive Animals, Utah Prairie Dog (Cynomys parvidens), Vegetation