Abstract
This internship was primarily concerned with the translocation of Black-tailed Prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) to Pueblo Chemical Depot. While this species is federally listed as least concern under the Endangered Species Act, it is currently listed by the State of Colorado as a species of greatest conservation need. Almost all this species’ historical habitat has disappeared, and people have routinely removed them from their private properties for various reasons. This species is important to the short and mid-grass prairie that comprises the majority of Colorado’s habitat, acting as not only an herbivore to help control plant species number and growth, but also as a prey species for many other animals that live in these habitats, including the Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes). The Black-footed Ferret is the only species of ferret native to North America and has been called one of the most endangered mammals on the continent. The Black- tailed Prairie dog, amongst other prairie dog species, is the primary and preferred food source of these ferrets and provides them with shelter in the form of their abandoned or vacated burrows. Pueblo Chemical Depot represents an ideal habitat for both the Prairie Dogs and the Ferrets. It is comprised primarily of the short to mid-grass prairie that both species thrive on, it is no longer an active military site and is currently on its way to closure as a military installation. This provides a unique opportunity for conservation, as it is currently a highly restricted area where few people may access. In total, 226 Black Tailed Prairie dogs were moved onto Pueblo Chemical Depot over the course of the internship. This represents a huge success in the conservation of this species and the native short grass prairie, as prairie dogs can act as umbrella species for the environments that they live in. This, in addition to the translocation work done in previous years, may allow for Black Footed Ferrets to be released onto the depot as early as next year.