Prairie dogs are present in Arizona, though their populations have experienced changes over time. They are a notable component of certain ecosystems within the state.
Prairie Dog Species in Arizona
Arizona is home to the Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), the state’s only native prairie dog species. This rodent, one of five prairie dog species, belongs to the squirrel family. Gunnison’s prairie dogs are typically smaller than other species, measuring 12 to 14 inches long with tails 1.25 to 2.25 inches. They weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds, with males often larger.
Their coat is yellowish-buff with black hairs, and their head, cheeks, and eyebrows are darker. Their short tails are mostly white with grayish-white tips. Gunnison’s prairie dogs have eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, providing a wide peripheral view to spot predators.
Their Distribution and Habitat
Gunnison’s prairie dogs are primarily found in the Four Corners region of the United States, including northeastern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. Approximately three-quarters of their population resides in Arizona and New Mexico, with Arizona’s populations located in the northern parts of the state.
These rodents inhabit various environments, including high deserts, grasslands, meadows, hillsides, and alluvial valleys. They are often found in areas with shrubs like rabbitbrush, sagebrush, and saltbrush. Their preferred habitats range in altitude from 6,000 to 10,000 feet. These areas provide the necessary open spaces and suitable soil types for constructing their elaborate burrow systems.
Conservation and Management Efforts
Gunnison’s prairie dogs face threats in Arizona, including habitat loss, historical eradication efforts, and disease. Sylvatic plague, transmitted by fleas, is a significant factor, capable of decimating entire colonies with up to a 99% mortality rate. Historically, poisoning campaigns and recreational shooting also reduced populations. Despite these pressures, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined in 2013 that Gunnison’s prairie dogs in Arizona did not warrant federal protection.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) monitors Gunnison’s prairie dog populations through mapping and surveys. They classify the species as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Management actions include translocations and disease control efforts. AZGFD collaborates with partners to administer oral plague vaccines and dust burrows with insecticides to control flea populations. These efforts aim to stabilize and increase existing populations, with reintroduction projects like translocations to Petrified Forest National Park.