Well, this species plays a critical role in the health of prairie ecosystems. Follow the link below to find out more about the important role this species plays in the overall well-being of prairie grasslands.
Bottom line is that if healthy prairie dog communities are intact, then wildlife and humans benefit.
Being a keystone species means prairie dogs are essential to the prairie ecosystem and this ecosystem's health. Continued declines in black-tailed prairie dog populations not only threaten this species continued existence, but also jeopardizes the dozens of species linked with it for food or shelter. All rights reserved.