Blacktailed prairie dogs lose protection

Black-tailed prairie dogs lose protection
Journal-Advocate staff
09/28/2009 12:27:09 PM MDT

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Department of Wildlife have block-cleared all black-tailed prairie dog habitat in Eastern Colorado.

The decision was made after determining that these areas no longer contain any wild free-ranging black-footed ferrets. It reverses a policy that had made it illegal to disturb or remove common black-tailed prairie dogs from lands in Eastern Colorado, due to a perceived presence of endangered black-footed ferrets in the region.

Block clearance means that activities within these areas that result in the removal of black-tailed prairie dogs and/or their habitat will no longer be required to meet the service’s survey guidelines for black-footed ferrets, or undergo consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. This clearance does not include white-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dog habitats that may occur within the block-cleared area.

The black-footed ferret is a federally listed endangered species that depends on prairie dogs as a source of food and uses their burrows for shelter.

“Based on the best science available we’ve concluded that the eastern half of Colorado is free from black-footed ferrets. As a result, we’ve block-cleared the region for activities affecting black-tailed prairie dogs,” said Susan Linner, Field Supervisor of the Colorado Ecological Services Office. “This change in policy means less consultation requirements for landowners. However, this easing of policy only applies to black-tailed prairie dog habitat at this time.”

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) reacted positively to the news.

“This is good news for range conservation and management in eastern Colorado,” said R.J. Jolly, CCA member. “There have been no reported sightings of a black-footed ferret in this area for many decades; and contrary to some beliefs, prairie dog populations are exploding out here. This will eliminate one very difficult and unnecessary hurdle in managing the population of prairie dogs in this area.”

According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site, black-tailed prairie dog populations have declined, due in part to sylvatic plague. In general, those in agriculture tend to view the animals as pests, especially those in the cattle industry.

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