Decline of Prairie Dog Towns in Southwestern North Dakota

Abstract

Aerial photographs for 1939 to 1972 were examined to evaluate the impact of rodent control programs and land use practices on prairie dog towns on a portion of the Little Missouri National Grasslands. Colonies were measured for three periods during the 33-year span and showed an 89% decline in number and a 93% decline in acreage. Average town size was not significantly affected during the decline and was not significantly different on federal land compared to private or state land. Colonies were largely eliminated on the best agricultural bottom lands but appeared to be more persistent near the undisturbed colonies in Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. Reported sightings indicate that some black-footed ferrets have probably survived in the area. The new perspective has resulted in improved management for the two species.