A comparison of herpetofauna and small mammal diversity on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and non-colonized grasslands in Colorado

Shipley, Bryon K.; Reading, Richard P.

doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.10.013

Cited by 34 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Our results demonstrate that within 1 year of a prairie dog die-off, small mammal diversity begins to trend toward that which is found in the absence of prairie dogs. The presence of prairie dogs variably influences small mammal abundance and species richness among studies (Agnew et al 1986, Shipley and Reading 2006, Stapp 2007 although, in this study, the effective removal of prairie dogs caused a significant change in small mammal diversity that is consistent with differences in small mammal occurrence at prairie dog colonies and off-colony grassland sites (Collinge et al 2008). …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 49%

Rodent and Flea Abundance Fail to Predict a Plague Epizootic in Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

Brinkerhoff

Collinge

Ray

et al. 2010

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

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Small rodents are purported to be enzootic hosts of Yersinia pestis and may serve as sources of infection to prairie dogs or other epizootic hosts by direct or flea-mediated transmission. Recent research has shown that small rodent species composition and small rodent flea assemblages are influenced by the presence of prairie dogs, with higher relative abundance of both small rodents and fleas at prairie dog colony sites compared to grasslands without prairie dogs. However, it is unclear if increased rodent or flea abundance predisposes prairie dogs to infection with Y. pestis. We tracked rodent and flea occurrence for 3 years at a number of prairie dog colony sites in Boulder County, Colorado, before, during, and after a local plague epizootic to see if high rodent or flea abundance was associated with plague-affected colonies when compared to colonies that escaped infection. We found no difference in preepizootic rodent abundance or flea prevalence or abundance between plague-positive and plague-negative colonies. Further, we saw no significant before-plague=after-plague change in these metrics at either plague-positive or plague-negative sites. We did, however, find that small rodent species assemblages changed in the year following prairie dog die-offs at plague-affected colonies when compared to unaffected colonies. In light of previous research from this system that has shown that landscape features and proximity to recently plagued colonies are significant predictors of plague occurrence in prairie dogs, we suggest that landscape context is more important to local plague occurrence than are characteristics of rodent or flea species assemblages.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 49%

Rodent and Flea Abundance Fail to Predict a Plague Epizootic in Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

Brinkerhoff

Collinge

Ray

et al. 2010

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

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“…For instance, very different species assemblages are found on and off prairie dog colonies (Kretzer and Cully 2001;Shipley and Reading 2006), and kangaroo rat mounds promote lizard diversity (Hawkins and Nicoletto 1992). The present study considered a community with four species, and identified significant effects of burrow presence on diversity parameters.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

European rabbits as ecosystem engineers: warrens increase lizard density and diversity

2008

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Mammals that build extensive open burrow systems are often classified as ecosystem engineers, since they have the potential to modulate the availability of resources for themselves and other organisms. Lizards may benefit from the heterogeneity created by these structures, especially if coupled with an increased offer of sites for refuge and thermoregulation. However, information about these engineering effects by burrowing animals is scarce. We investigated the influence of European rabbit burrows on several parameters of a Mediterranean lizard community (abundance, density, diversity and body condition) in three different habitats (open pastures, holm oak and scrub patches). We found that lizards were positively associated with burrows, and that burrows determined lizard presence at otherwise unfavourable habitats. Moreover, community parameters such as density and species richness were higher in sites with burrows. Burrows influenced lizard species in different ways, and were also relevant for other Mediterranean vertebrates, as revealed by questionnaires to experts. We also explored the possible resources provided by burrows for lizards. Warrens offer relatively abundant prey and appropriate retreat sites for refuge and thermoregulation. Warrens may have further implications within the ecosystem, acting as stepping stones, allowing lizards to reach otherwise inaccessible habitat patches. This study shows that European rabbit warrens have a positive influence on lizard density and diversity, and confirms the role of rabbits as ecosystem engineers. This reinforces the need for appropriate conservation measures for rabbits, especially given their threatened status in the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, our study highlights that taking into account the influence of engineering activities increases our awareness of species interactions, and may translate into more adequate conservation measures for the preservation of biodiversity.

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“…Prairie dogs and bannertailed kangaroo rats co-occur in that environment, and Davidson and Lightfoot [11] demonstrated that those species exert distinctive effects on plants and arthropods and that their combined effects are additive and complementary, suggesting that they may have similar effects on lizard communities. In another study, certain species of reptiles and amphibians preferred the open grassland habitat of prairie dog colonies, while others preferred uncolonized, denser grassland habitat [38].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Mongolian Racerunners (Eremias argus) Occupancy in Active and Inactive Siberian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) Colonies

Suuri¹,

Baatargal²,

Rp³

2017

J Biodivers Endanger Species

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Habitat fragmentation caused by anthropogenic activities alters the distribution, abundance and diversity of wildlife species worldwide. As one example, Siberian marmots have experienced a >75% decline across Mongolia since the 1990s due to human harvests. Burrowing mammals are keystone; ecosystem engineers in many communities because burrowing can directly and indirectly alter the availability of resources, have effects at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and have a significant role in community organization. The deep and complex burrow systems of marmots provide underground shelters with stable microclimates that other vertebrate and invertebrate animals exploit. Our general hypothesis was that marmot colonies positively influence racerunner occupancy probability because burrows offer shelter from environmental conditions, refuges for predation, and a high diversity and number of insects and other prey items. Using occupancy modeling, we showed that the presence of a Siberian marmot colony influenced racerunner occupancy. Marmot active colony + inactive colony-ψ (AMC+IMC), p (temp+temp 2 ) were the best approximating model. Racerunner detection was highest at approximately 24.3°C. For the aspect and elevation model, foothills had an important influence on lizard occupancy. Our results showed that marmot burrows greatly influence Mongolian racerunner occurrence and suggest that habitat modification by rodent ecosystem engineers exert ecological influence on biodiversity.

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A comparison of herpetofauna and small mammal diversity on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and non-colonized grasslands in Colorado

Cited by 34 publications

References 21 publications

Rodent and Flea Abundance Fail to Predict a Plague Epizootic in Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

Rodent and Flea Abundance Fail to Predict a Plague Epizootic in Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

European rabbits as ecosystem engineers: warrens increase lizard density and diversity

Mongolian Racerunners (Eremias argus) Occupancy in Active and Inactive Siberian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) Colonies

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