UTAH PRAIRIE DOG Cyonmys parvidens ( J . A . Allen) 



Order: RODENTIA Family: SCIURIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : White-tailed, stout-bodied ground squirrels uniformly 

 brown in color, with short legs and tail; usually living colonially in a "town." 



Present distribution : Reported only from six counties in south-central Utah, at higher 

 altitudes. Wayne, Garfield and Iron are the only counties with significant populations. 

 (1972). 



Former distribution : Always restricted to Utah; occurred in nine counties in 1935. 



Status : Never widespread or abundant. 



Estimated numbers : 48 dog towns covering 2,355 acres; total number of animals 

 estimated at 5,715 (Collier and Spillett, 1972). 



Breeding rate in the wild : 4 to 6 young per litter annually. 



Reasons for decline : Damage and disease suppression; records of infection with 

 sylvatic plague . 



Protective measures already taken : Control personnel instructed to refrain from 

 disturbing this species . 



Measures proposed : None . 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Probably good. 



Remarks : The prairie dog is strictly vegetarian in feeding habits, but in large 

 numbers it often ruins crops or natural vegetation. 



References : 



Collier, G. D., and J.J. Spillett. 1972. A legend in danger. Utah Science, 



33(1): 22-25. 

 Durrant, S. D. 1952. Mammals of Utah. Univ. Kansas Pubis . , Mus . Nat. 



History, Vol. 6, pp. 549. 

 Hall, E. R. , and K. R. Kelson. 1959. The mammals of North America. 



Ronald Press, N.Y. , Vol. 1, pp. 367-368. 

 Matthiessen, P. 1959. Wildlife in America . Viking , N.Y ., 304 pp . 

 Palmer, R. S. 1954. The mammal guide; Mammals of North America North of 



Mexico. Doubleday, Garden City, N.Y., pp. 170-172. 



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