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■a 



N orthern Pocket Golpher (Thomomys talpoides) - The two specimens of this 

 species collected during this study were from a local rancher who trapped them 

 in a hay meadow. This species was also known to occur most frequently in the 

 grassland type and creek type as evidenced by active mounds. Some evidence of 

 their activity was also observed on grassy areas in the badlands but to a more 

 limited extent than the previously mentioned types. Based on evidence of their 

 activity, the pocket gopher was listed as common for this area. 



Ord's Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordi) - This species was frequently observed at 

 night while traversing roads in the sage-grassland type. Observations indicated 

 this species prefers sites with sandy soils and probably occurs on these areas 

 in other vegetation types as well. All specimens taken were hand captured on 

 and adjacent to roads at night. Numerous sightings led to this species being 

 listed as common for this area. 



Wyoming Pocket Mouse (Perognathus fasaiatus) - This species was captured in 

 greatest numbers in the sage-grassland type and was the most abundant small 

 mammal in these areas. It also occurred in the creek and grassland types, al- 

 though in lower numbers. Trapping data indicated that this species was most 

 susceptible to capture in sunken can pitfalls. It was uncommon-to-common on 

 this area. 



Least Chipmunk (Eutamias minimus) - This species was mainly confined to the 

 heads of grassland coulees and areas of the badlands containing pine and/or 

 juniper. Some specimens of this species were captured during small mammal 

 sampling while others were taken with a .22 caliber rifle. Even though this 

 species was locally common on certain sites, it was listed as uncommon for the 

 area. 



Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys Zudovicianus) - The distribution and size of 

 prairie dog towns on the area is presented in Figure 11. The majority of dog 

 towns on the area were in the sage-grassland area, immediately adjacent to the 

 creek types. Heavy cattle grazing in these areas may be important in maintain- 

 ing and increasing prairie dog distribution (Knowles, pers. comm.). The importance 

 of prairie dogs in the prairie ecosystem is well documented (Henderson et al. 

 197A, Flath 1978). Numerous species (burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, 

 mountain plovers) depend on these sites for their perpetuation. Also, evidence 

 from direct observation indicated the importance of these areas as a food source 

 for the predators and raptors of the study area. The large numbers and wide 

 distribution of prairie dogs on this area contributed to the density and diversity 

 of predatory mammals and birds observed. Prairie dogs, a "special interest or 

 concern" species, have been and continue to be a very controversial species. 

 Presently, there is an increasing demand from the landowners of the area for some 

 form of prairie dog control. A survey of landowner attitudes, both on and ad- 

 jacent to the study area, was conducted both orally and in the form of a confiden- 

 tial written questionnaire (see Appendix Table 22) to determine the level of 

 prairie dog populations they would tolerate on their lands and public lands 

 under their control. Results of these surveys indicated most landowners prefer 

 total extirpation of this species in this area. Reasons expressed for this lie 

 in the elimination of potential livestock hazards (i.e. burrows) and the perceived 

 benefits of increased livestock forage production and decreased erosion. To 

 follow this course of action would have many adverse Impacts on the nongame 

 species dependent on and associated with prairie dog towns. Therefore, it Is 



