Table of Contents

* Preface *1. Prairie Dogs and the Big Picture *2. The Biology of Prairie Dogs * Interlude: Taxonomy and Prairie Dog Taxonomists *3. Social Behavior of Prairie Dogs * Interlude: Social Behavior--Trapping Prairie Dogs *4. Communication * Interlude: Communication *5. The Population Biology of Prairie Dogs *6. The Ecology of Prairie Dogs * Interlude: Vertebrate Species Associated with Prairie Dogs, by Richard Reading *7. Economics: How Much Is a Prairie Dog Worth? * Interlude: Prairie Dogs as Pets *8. Prairie Dog Conservation *9. Room to Hope * Appendix: Where to See Prairie Dogs * Bibliography * Index

Promotional Information

This book is a call to action on behalf of prairie dogs, a swiftly declining but ecologically vital genus. It urges scientists, policymakers, and the rest of us to prevent the collapse of dwindling prairie dog ecosystems and imbeds prairie dog imperilment in the broader global extinction crisis. Slobodchikoff and his co-authors blend science with conscience, giving us a well-researched glimpse into the varied and fascinating world we risk losing if we don't alter course. -- Nicole Rosmarino, Ph.D., Wildlife Program Director, WildEarth Guardians

About the Author

Con Slobodchikoff is Professor of Biology at Northern Arizona University. Bianca S. Perla has a doctorate in ecology, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington. Jennifer Verdolin is a postdoctoral researcher at SUNY Stony Brook.

Reviews

This book is a call to action on behalf of prairie dogs, a swiftly declining but ecologically vital genus. It urges scientists, policymakers, and the rest of us to prevent the collapse of dwindling prairie dog ecosystems and imbeds prairie dog imperilment in the broader global extinction crisis. Slobodchikoff and his co-authors blend science with conscience, giving us a well-researched glimpse into the varied and fascinating world we risk losing if we don't alter course.
*Nicole Rosmarino, Ph.D., Wildlife Program Director, WildEarth Guardians*

A fascinating examination of the complex social structure, communication systems, and behavior patterns of prairie dogs in their environments...A very interesting and intriguing look at a species that, while often considered a pest, is actually a critical player in maintaining ecosystem biodiversity.
*Choice*