White-tailed prairie dog
White-tailed prairie dog | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Sciuridae |
Genus: | Cynomys |
Species: | C. leucurus
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Binomial name | |
Cynomys leucurus Merriam, 1890
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White-tailed Prairie Dog range[1] |
The white-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys leucurus) is found in western
Description
The white-tailed prairie dog is tan-brown in color, with large eyes and a dark patch on their cheeks above and below each eye.[4] This prairie dog species weighs between 28–53 oz (790–1,500 g), while having a length between 12–16 in (30–41 cm).[5]
Behavior
White-tailed prairie dogs display Interspecific competition with the Wyoming ground squirrel. When the squirrel enters the territory of the prairie dog, the white-tailed prairie dog chases the squirrel. Rarely does the prairie dog capture and kill the squirrel, but when it does, it leaves the squirrel for avian predators, as the prairie dog is an herbivore. Female white-tailed prairie dogs who killed squirrels had increased litter sizes, but the higher her body count, the lower her chances of surviving each subsequent attack.[6] White-tailed prairie dogs are diurnal, being the most active in the morning and afternoon. This species also hibernates in the winter seasons within their burrows and emerge to the surface when warmer seasonal changes occur. Male white-tailed prairie dogs emerge in late February to early March, while the female white-tailed prairie dog emerges roughly 2–3 weeks later.[5]
Diet
White-tailed prairie dogs are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grass, forbs, and sedges, primarily forbs.[7]
Lifestyle
White-tailed prairie dogs have a complex social system and live in colonies. This species uses visual signals and barks for communication. On average, each colony has 6 different "clans" or families. These families forage together for food and resources. The female white-tailed prairie dogs and their pups are sedentary, meaning they stay close to or inside the burrow, while the male seeks the food.[5]
Conservation status
White-tailed prairie dog populations have decreased dramatically, and the remaining population occupies only around 8% of their original range. It is subject to population controls by humans (shooting and poisoning), and threatened by a disease called
References
- ^ . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Cynomys leucurus". NatureServe Explorer An online encyclopedia of life. 7.1. NatureServe. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ISBN 1-57061-304-4.
- ^ "White-tailed prairie dog". US Fish and Wildlife Service. Archived from the original on 2006-09-26.
- ^ ISSN 0008-4301.
- PMID 27009223.
- JSTOR 2424014.
- ^ "White-tailed Prairie Dog Press Release". US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- ^ Lewis P (2007-07-20). "Agency to review species decisions". Washington Post.
External links
- Prairie dogs videos (in English)
- Prairie Dogs-Biodiversity Conservation Alliance