Prairie Dog Research

Prairie dogs are ecosystem engineers whose landscaping helps define the North American Great Plains. This species of ground squirrel spends a whopping 70% of their lives in subterranean burrows. For the first time, Smithsonian researchers are tracking these underground underdogs as they head below the surface. Their goal? A better understanding of a keystone species whose survival impacts hundreds of North American grassland species, including the critically endangered black-footed ferret.
Learn more at: s.si.edu/40nw4BX