An economic analysis of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) control.

摘要: Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) control by poisoning with zinc phosphide was not economically feasible in the Conata Basin of South Dakota. Economic analyses were conducted from U.S. Forest Service and rancher viewpoints. Control programs analyzed annual maintenance or complete retreatment initially treated areas to prevent repopulation and, except for at low rates, unable recover initial costs. At a rate 30% per year (the most realistic projection), costs greater than value forage gained. benefit gained on areas. With an increase approximately 51 kg/ha cattle forage, over 7 ha required gain 1 AUM life treatment. Prairie dogs have been controlled western rangelands many years (Merriam 1902), yet there has never economic analysis any method. While sometimes justified basis reducing potential plague outbreak among populations, competition between domestic livestock range main justification control. Research efforts investigated this (Taylor Loftfield 1924, Hansen Gold 1977), but no effort made evaluate benefits eliminating decreasing populations. Early literature dog-livestock negative. Merriam ( 1902) Bell (1920) described losses crops due recommended elimination. In northern Arizona, Zuni (C. gunnisoni zuniensis) reportedly consumed 80% total production seriously competed available especially during droughts 1924). Recent information suggests that black-tailed Zudovicianus) compete possibly enough warrant measures (Klatt Hein 1978). Most plants are (Kelso 1939, Bonham Lerwick 1976). Summers Linder (1978) stated important food species blacktailed Dakota buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcae coccinea), threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii). (1977) found sedges up largest percentage diet northeastern Colorado second diets. their study, diets similar spring. estimated