Prairie dogs in the gray area of grazing ecology

Though the relationship between prairie dogs and ranchers has been strained, Agriculture and Rangeland Management assistant professor Aaron Field dispelled rumors surrounding the topic in “Prairie Dogs and Grazing Ecology,” the final Graves Lecture of the semester.

Field discussed the ups and downs of having prairie dogs on the range, Tuesday, at the Mari Sandoz Atrium. The prarie dog, a one to three-pound animal, is only found in North America on the plains of midwestern states stretching from the Canadian border to Mexico. Despite their annoyance to ranchers, are a “keystone species,” meaning they are a species that other creatures rely on.

According to Field, studies on prairie dogs’ standing as a competitor for ranchers are few and far between. The earliest recorded study dates back to 1902 with the latest in 2006. Unfortunately, many studies did not have the best conditions or had poor sample sizes. Though it’s an important topic, even Field didn’t expect to take up prairie dog studies.

“I never set out to be the prairie dog guy. I’m not sure anybody does that,” Field said.

Field also discussed how legislation on protecting prairie dogs as a keystone species often butts heads with establishing them as rangeland pests. Prejudiced ranchers’ hold on the small mammal is unfortunately a misrepresentation of what a prairie dog actually provides for grazing ecology according to Field.

Field explained that looking at prairie dog management is much like playing ‘The Price is Right’ and figuring out how to manage without going over or under. He explained that prairie dogs do offer benefits to ranges and ranchers, including keeping grass short, providing nutrient rich grass and stabilizing the range ecology.