These tunnels are used for shelter by many other prairie wildlife species, including burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, rabbits, badgers, insects, snakes and toads. Prairie dogs have a sophisticated form of communication. Humans have been able to identify up to 11 different calls. They also use physical contact, such as nuzzling and kissing as well as vocalization, such as barking a warning, to communicate. Members of a prairie dog town take turns keeping watch.
Prairie dogs improve the neighborhood.
As the black-tailed prairie dog is a keystone species , its activities increase both plant and animal diversity. There is a significantly higher diversity of birds and mammals and greater avian species richness on prairie dog colonies than on adjacent prairies. Black-tailed prairie dog habitats have been in rapid decline since their historic high of 1.5 billion. Habitat destruction Habitat destruction from agricultural conversion and urbanization have taken their toll on prairie dogs. While colonies reportedly once stretched over 100 miles in length, today the majority of colonies are less than 50 acres in size.