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Grassland Restoration
Currently we are experimenting with grassland restoration on prairie dog colonies. By promoting the growth of native grasses, removing
non-native invasive plants and restricting
grazing, we can monitor changes in prairie dog densities and distributions. The results of this
project will provide important information that will aid in the development of non-lethal
management strategies for other prairie dog
populations.
Population Genetics
Genetic information will be used to determine current diversity levels within and between
colonies. In the future, we will use this
information to assess the impact of habitat
fragmentation on the dispersal patterns and
genetic stability of prairie dogs. If population numbers continue to decline, this information will provide important information necessary to the conservation and management of prairie dogs.
Future Projects
Relocation and proper monitoring of such
colonies to evaluate the success of relocation as a management tool.
GIS analysis of current prairie dog colonies and their persistence through time to assess what factors contribute to the stability, or lack thereof of, of prairie dog colonies.
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