|
What Is a Keystone Species?
A keystone
species is a species whose very presence contributes to a diversity
of life and whose extinction would consequently lead to the extinction
of other forms of life. Keystone species help to support the ecosystem
(entire community of life) of which they are a part.
Black-Tailed
Prairie Dogs Are a Keystone Species of the Prairie Ecosystem.
1*
More than 200
other wildlife species have been observed on or near prairie dog
colonies. Some of these animals depend on prairie dogs as a food
source or for their habitat. Among those animals associated with
prairie dogs and their colonies are bald and golden eagles, swift
foxes, coyotes, ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, badgers and black-footed
ferrets. Countless insects and some plants are also associated with
prairie dog towns. 2*
Some of them are pictured above. Countless plants and invertebrate
species also rely heavily on prairie dogs and their activities.
As a keystone species, black-tailed prairie dogs impact the prairie
ecosystem in multiple ways:
- Their burrows
act as homes to other creatures, including burrowing owls, badgers,
rabbits, black-footed ferrets, snakes, salamanders, and insects.
- Their burrowing
activity works to loosen and churn up the soil, increasing its
ability to sustain plant life.
- Their foraging
and feeding practices enable a more nutritious, diverse and nitrogen-rich
mixture of grasses and forbs (broad-leafed vegetation) to grow.
- The enriched
vegetation attracts an amazing array of wildlife who graze in
their colonies.
- Black-tailed
prairie dogs play an integral role in the prairie food chain;
they are a critical food source for such animals as the endangered
black-footed ferret, swift fox, coyotes, hawks, eagles and badgers.
The
extinction of the black-tailed prairie dog would be catastrophic
for the entire Great Plains ecosystem.
*
Please click on number for resource
information.
Home
• Keystone Species •
Threats • Myths
• News
FAQs • How
You Can Help • Prairie Dogs
as "Pets"
Resources & References •
Download Information •
Membership
Site Map
|
