Saving White Tailed Prairie Dogs
Review of Recent FWS Decisions May Protect Another Species as Well
A Fish and Wildlife Service announcement of re-evaluation of their decision not to list prairie dogs is good news for conservationists and for black-footed ferrets.
In the wake of the resignation of Julie MacDonald from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Service is set to reconsider eight decisions handed down by the former Deputy Assistant Secretary. The finding against listing the white-tailed prairie dog as endangered is one that shows the extent to which Ms MacDonald interfered with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing process. The close relationship between the critically endangered black-footed ferret and white tailed prairie dog strengthens the need to protect habitat that both share.
White tailed prairie dogs are found only in parts of Montana, Utah and Colorado. They have been eliminated from over 90% of their normal habitat, so the need to protect them would seem obvious. Their habitat is shared with black-footed ferrets who prey on the prairie dogs and utilize their dens. Black footed ferrets themselves were only recently saved from extinction in the early eighties when a small remnant population was taken into a captive breeding program. Populations of both species were affected by Sylvatic plague (known as bubonic plague in humans) in the early 1990s. Ongoing plague outbreaks continue to reduce populations in various areas.
Presently most of the viable black-footed ferret and prairie dog populations occur within Bureau of Land Management areas. Unless sufficient habitat is protected outside of BLM lands, the longterm survival of both species is uncertain.
Despite these concerns, Ms MacDonald manipulated data in 2004 to change the finding on white tailed prairie dogs to negative. Her actions included eliminating data, changing scientific conclusions and adding erroneous information so that the FWS was effectively prevented from doing a proper review of the prairie dog.
Three years have elapsed during which the species should have been under protection by the ESA. During that time oil and gas drilling along with urban sprawl have destroyed further habitat. The proximity of humans has also resulted in increased off road vehicle use with attendant prairie dog deaths and burrow damage. A positive finding for listing white-tailed prairie dogs as endangered will mean that protection can be put in place, hunting and habitat loss stopped and an appropriate species recovery plan developed.
It was only in the wake of massive public protest that the situation was investigated and Ms MacDonald’s resignation sought. So while the FWS is to be applauded for their efforts to redress the damage caused by Ms MacDonald, conservation groups are right to protest that it is too little and possibly too late for some species. Continued public vigilance will be necessary to ensure that all of the species affected by data manipulation have their situations reviewed.
