• Wind Cave National Park - Two Worlds

    Wind Cave

    National Park South Dakota

Abstract - Infanticide in Prairie Dogs: Lactating Females Kill Offspring of Close Kin

Hoogland, John L. 1985. Infanticide in Prairie Dogs: Lactating Females Kill Offspring of Close Kin. Science 230. pp 1037-1040.

Abstract

Infanticide, although common in a wide range of species including humans and other primates, is poorly understood. A 7-year study under natural conditions reveals that infanticide within colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) is striking for three reasons. It is the major source of juvenile mortality, accouting for the total or partial demise of 51 percent of litters born. The most common killers are resident lactating females. The most common victims are the offspring of close kin.

Did You Know?

Natural Entrance of Wind Cave

Winds caused by changes in barometric pressure are what give Wind Cave its name.  These winds have been measured at the cave's walk-in entrance at over 70 mph. The winds at the natural entrance of the cave attracted the attention of Native Americans and early settlers.