• Wind Cave National Park - Two Worlds

    Wind Cave

    National Park South Dakota

Abstract - Prairie Dog Dispersal in Wind Cave National Park: Possibilities for Control

Garrett, Monte G. and Franklin, William L. 1982. Prairie Dog Dispersal in Wind Cave National Park: Possibilities For Control. In Timm, Robert M. and Johnson, Ron J. (eds.) Fifth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop. pp. 185-198.

Abstract

CA study was conducted in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, to collect basic information on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) dispersal and to test alternative control techniques. Dispersal occurred during a limited time period in late spring, involved both male and female prairie dogs, and resulted in relatively short movements and poor survivorship. The use of artificial visual barriers to inhibit colony expansion was effective but difficult to apply. The use of diethylstilbestrol as a temporary antifertility agent was shown to be an easy and effective method to reduce prairie dog reproduction and decrease colonly expansion.

Did You Know?

fire on the prairie

Fire is an important factor in protecting the prairie.  Historically, fires burned across the prairie every 4 to 7 years.  Fires burn the small trees that would otherwise march across the prairie and turn the grasslands to forest.