angelina_hughes28. What is the population density per square meter? Of the 5 billion prairie dogs that once existed in the American mid-west, only about 100 million remain today. We estimated a population of 2026 owls (95 % CI 1756-2336) in 2010 and 2015 owls (95 % CI 1573-2317) in 2011 across 50 Mexican prairie dog colonies (20,529 ha). Density of prairie dogs dying above ground ranged from 0.21 ha to 1.7/ha and was correlated with density of prairie dogs in the treated area (Table 1) (r.=O.679, p=O.O5, Spearman rank correlation coeffi- cient). Determine the density of the tree population. unrelated to population density of prairie dogs (Menkens et al. Visual counts on prairie dog colonies were variable, but maximum yearly visual counts on each colony yielded a population density estimate of 28 prairie dogs ha–1 (range 20–40 ha–1). Like the bison, the prairie dog was once a major component of Great Plains life. Our objective was to estimate the abundance and density of breeding western burrowing owl populations in Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) colonies in two sites located within the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion in the states of Nuevo Leon and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.Line transect surveys were conducted from February to April of 2010 and 2011. Effective management of prairie dogs requires accurate estimates of population density to estimate range-wide abundance and for determining threats to species persistence. Area. Six acres of prairie dogs would require 1 cow/calf unit (Animal Unit Month (AUM)) or 900 pounds of grass per month (1,2). Assuming that a prairie dog eats about 8 pounds of forage/month, and the density of prairie dogs is determined to be 25 per acre and the dietary overlap of cattle and prairie dogs 75%. Density survey results in 2008 suggest prairie dog numbers For example, Clark (1977) reported a single-season mortality rate of 85% for white-tailed prairie dogs during a plague epizootic in a colony near Laramie, Wyoming. ... Unit 6 Goble part 2 22 Terms. studied, white-tailed prairie dogs (C. leucurus) are thought to be equally susceptible to plague as other prairie dog species (Barnes, 1982). For unknown reasons, the two prairie dog towns in habitat unit 16 have not been active since 2006 further reducing active prairie dog habitat by 5.2 acres. Populations can be limited by food, space, and weather conditions. The density of prairie dogs on Fort Niobrara ranged from 13/acre in low density habitat to 47/acre in high density habitat. Vast prairie dog towns stretched for miles across the open plains. Ruiz Ayma G(1), Olalla Kerstupp A(1), Macías Duarte A(2), Guzmán Velasco A(1), González Rojas JI(3). Populations can be limited by food, space, and weather conditions. habitat unit 23. At least 7 of the 67 Next, perform and record the population density calculations for the prairie dog population. Describe three factors that could limit the growth of the prairie dog population. Population density of the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) colonies in northeastern Mexico Gabriel Ruiz Ayma1, Alina Olalla Kerstupp1, Alberto Macías Duarte2, Antonio Guzmán Velasco1 and José I. González Rojas1* Abstract The prairie dogs might run out of grass to eat or suitable land to dig tunnels in. For instance, the colony in pasture 5W (Figure 2) increased from 31 to 150 ha between 2000 10 Loss of habitat due to conversion of prairie for agricultural purposes has had a significant impact on the prairie dog population. During the years 2008-2009, the remaining two prairie dog towns experienced significant decreases in active acres. An orchard contains 20 apple trees in an area of 2.0 ha. Prairie dogs exist on only 2 percent of their historical home range. Year # Prairie Dogs Area (square meters) Population Density 1985 10 10 1 prairie dog per square meter 1990 30 10 1995 130 10 2000 80 10 2005 2 10 5. The prairie dogs might run out of grass to eat or suitable land to dig tunnels in. Population density surveys were conducted July 20-22, 2010 by biological technician M.Dunkle and refuge biologist K.McPeak. the area occupied by prairie dogs in 1999 and 63–76% in 2004. Results. 1988, Powell et al. 1994, Severson and Plumb 1998, Biggins et al. Prairie dog population densities can fluctuate widely in accordance with local environmental conditions. Population density of the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) colonies in northeastern Mexico.