The prairie dog as a keystone species
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The prairie dog has a pronounced impact on its grassland ecosystem (King 1955; Uresk and Bjugstad 1983; Miller et al. 1994; Society for Conservation Biology 1994; Wuerthner 1997; Johnsgard 2005). They maintain short vegetation by their grazing and by selective removal of tall plants and shrubs; provide shelter, foraging grounds, and nesting habitat for a diverse array of animals; serve as prey for many predators; and alter soil chemistry.
Do these impacts mean that the prairie dog is a keystone species? To investigate, we first scrutinize the definition for a keystone species. We then document both vertebrates and invertebrates that associate with prairie dogs and their colony-sites. We examine ecosystem processes at colony-sites, and then assess whether the prairie dog is a legitimate keystone species. Finally, we explore the implications of keystone status for the conservation of prairie dogs.
Suggested Citation
Kotliar, N.B., Miller, B., Reading, R.P., Clark, T.W., 2006, The prairie dog as a keystone species, chap. 4 of Conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog: Saving North America's western grasslands, p. 53-64.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | The prairie dog as a keystone species |
| Chapter | 4 |
| ISBN | 9781559634977 |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Island Press |
| Publisher location | Washington, DC |
| Contributing office(s) | Fort Collins Science Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Monograph |
| Larger Work Title | Conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog: Saving North America's western grasslands |
| First page | 53 |
| Last page | 64 |