Population dynamics of reintroduced Gunnison's Prairie dogs in the southern portion of their range

摘要: Burrowing, herbivorous mammals play important roles as ecosystem engineers and keystone species of grassland ecosystems around the world, but populations many have declined dramatically because myriad threats from human activities. Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in shaping central grasslands North America, by about 98% across their range, with consequent losses associated habitat. This has prompted much interest restoring to protected areas. Managers lack a clear understanding long-term success reintroductions, however, how may vary different prairie widespread geographic ranges. We reintroduced over 1,000 Gunnison's (C. gunnisoni) semi-arid southern portion range New Mexico, USA, used standard capture–recapture methods study population dynamics period 8 years. Mean adult survival was 27% course study, precipitation identified primary driver survival. Estimated below 12% during severe drought periods first few years following initial reintroduction, latter likely high predation. Consequently, multiple releases animals were required prevent extirpation, sustainability this remains questionable. Over our site experienced 4 droughts spring, key for dog mating, pregnancy, lactation. Production offspring at low, dry variable conditions that occurred. show restoration environments are typical lower elevations extent not succeed producing viable colonies, dedicated management is needed counteract slow or negative growth. Our findings underscore importance maintaining expanding existing colonies wherever possible these more arid regions, suggest reintroductions should be treated secondary strategy. work also reveals vulnerability extinction due drought, which implications conservation under warming drying climate. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.