Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, working in partnership with the non-profit group Prairie Dog Pals, is providing a home for displaced Gunnison’s prairie dogs from the Albuquerque area. The Refuge plans to release about 300 prairie dogs onto Refuge lands on July 7, 2016, including approximately 75 prairie dogs from the playing fields at Chelwood Elementary School in Albuquerque.
“This provides a win-win resolution to the problem of prairie dogs on school grounds,” stated Refuge Manager Kathy Granillo. “The school children at Chelwood now have a safer play area, and the Refuge moves a few steps forward in restoring the grassland ecosystem.”
The Gunnison’s prairie dog is a keystone grassland species that historically inhabited the Refuge. Gunnison’s prairie dogs have declined by over 90% across their range, due to habitat loss, extermination attempts, and disease. Prairie dogs have been linked to grassland ecosystem health and their colonies provide numerous benefits to other wildlife, providing food and shelter to other species; and fertilizing and aerating soil which increases plant protein content and digestibility for other grazing animals. In fact, some studies show that wildlife such as pronghorn prefer to graze in and around prairie dog colonies.
Prairie Dog Pals is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect prairie dogs and their environment. Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge has worked with the organization on several other successful releases.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.
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