A baseline study of the past and present status of the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) in Bryce Canyon National park.

Elmore, Steve; Workman, Gar; Budge, Charles; Neusaenger, George

This report documents the reintroduction of the Utah praire dog (Cynomys parvidens) within the BRCA boundaries, from animals provided by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The new animals were transplanted in artificial burrows made with a soil auger. Daily observations were made at each transplant site to evaluate praire dog activity, migration from the area, and factors which might influence their ability to survive. The authors conclude that it will take from 3-4 years before the success of the transplant can be determined, in terms of orientation, burrow and mound development, animal contacts, colonial organization, reproduction and dogtown growth. The information gained through the current summers' research (1975) include data on the first two factors - orientation, including habitat acceptance and utilization, and to a lesser degree, burrow and mound development... At one time, large colonies of the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) were very common in the Bryce Canyon National Park area of Utah. Today there are no native prairie dogs residing within the Park boundary, although one colony does reside a few miles north of the main entrance to the Park. During the summers of 1974 and 1975, attempts were made to reestablish the Utah prairie dog within the Bryce Canyon National Park boundary. These animals were provided by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The new animals were transplanted in artificial burrows made wi th a soil auger. Some food was also provided at each site. Daily observations were made at each transplant site to evaluate prairie dog activity, migration from the area, and factors which might influence their ability to survive. In addition to the above activities, an inventory of suitable transplant sites within the Park was made. This also included documentation of previous prairie dog colony sites within the Park.