Mountain-Prairie Region
Endangered Species Program
GUNNISON'S PRAIRIE DOG
Species Description: The Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) is a yellowish buff color mixed with black above; slightly paler below with a short, white-tipped tail. It is approximately 12-14 inches in length, between 12-15 inches tall, weighing about 23–42 ounces. The Gunnison's prairie dog is one of five species of prairie dog, all of which are native to North America. The Gunnison's prairie dog is a keystone species of the sagebrush ecosystem. They create habitat, provide food, and help keep the soil and plant communities healthy. For example, their abandoned burrows are used by burrowing owls, weasels, snakes, badgers, and even foxes. The prairie dog is an important food source for coyote, weasels, foxes, hawks, eagles, and the endangered black footed ferret. In addition, their burrowing helps to aerate the soil, add organic matter, and help to increase water penetration.
Location: The Gunnison's prairie dog occurs in the four corners area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
Recent Actions: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog located in central and south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico are warranted for protection under the Endangered Species Act. However, listing these populations at this time is precluded by pending actions for other species with higher listing priorities. The Service also determined that Gunnison’s prairie dog populations in Arizona, Utah, and elsewhere in Colorado and New Mexico are not warranted for listing.
- News Release: February 1, 2008 Gunnison’s Prairie Dog Populations in Portions of Colorado and New Mexico Warranted For Listing Under the Endangered Species Act
- Q&As Regarding Gunnison’s Prairie Dog 12-Month Finding
- Federal Register Notice: February 5, 2008 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Gunnison Prairie Dog as Threatened or Endangered
Service's 12-Month Finding
- Federal Register Notice: August 28, 2007 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Gunnison's Prairie Dog as Threatened or Endangered
- Press Release: August 28, 2007 Service to Conduct Additional Review for the Gunnison's Prairie Dog
Service's 90-Day Finding
- Federal Register Notice: February 7, 2006 90-Day finding on a Petition to List the Gunnison's Prairie Dog
- Press Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will Not Conduct In-depth Review to Consider Listing Gunnison's Prairie Dog
- Petition
- Questions and Answers
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