Prairie dogs are dubbed a keystone species for good reason because the
burrows they dig are used by dozens of other animals, from insects and
spiders to rattlesnakes, salamanders, owls and more.
The highly endangered black-footed ferret depends almost completely on
prairie dogs for food, and may also live in their abandoned burrows. In
addition, prairie dog activity makes the grass areas around their
burrows especially nourishing for grazing animals like bison and
pronghorn. With up to 150 species associated with prairie dogs, this
keystone species plays a pivotal role in keeping the prairie healthy and
thriving.
Other books in this series: AT HOME WITH THE GOPHER TORTOISE: THE STORY
OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES, AT HOME WITH THE BEAVER: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE
SPECIES