For the life of the prairie

May, 11 2008

Welcome to the Prairie Dog Coalition Website

The Mission of the Prairie Dog Coalition

For the benefit of treasured wildlife, the Prairie Dog Coalition is dedicated to the protection of imperiled prairie dogs and restoration of their ecosystems. To accomplish this mission, we provide information and advocacy training, facilitate communication and planning, and promote conservation projects.

We are an alliance of non-profit organizations, concerned citizens, and scientists dedicated to the protection of prairie dogs and restoration of prairie dog ecosystems. Survival of the prairie dog is critical to the continued existence of the prairie ecosystem—one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Prairie Dogs Need Help!

forest-guardiansgraphic designed by Forest Guardians

The prairie dog is one of the most ecologically important residents of the Great Plains. As a keystone species, prairie dogs support the entire ecosystems of which they are part. Despite the inherent value of these extraordinary creatures, we risk losing prairie dogs to extinction, in part due to:

  • Sylvatic plague, a disease first brought to North America in 1900 that has now affected numerous wildlife species including prairie dogs;
  • Legalized decimation by poisoning, shooting and bulldozing;
  • Habitat destruction from conversion of grasslands to cropland or urban development.

Because prairie dogs support an entire system of life, what happens to them happens to the prairie.

The time to save prairie dogs and North American grasslands is NOW!!

Dr. Jane Goodall Joins the Prairie Dog Coalition!

Thanks to volunteer Joanne Reince, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and U.N. Messenger of Peace, has signed on her support of the The Prairie Dog Coalition's mission. Coalition members had the honor of meeting with Dr. Goodall to discuss the plight of the prairie dog and our protection efforts. Dr. Goodall had some great ideas that we are excited to pursue! Stay tuned for this exciting advance for prairie dogs and their habitat. Welcome, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Nine different wildlife species depend on the prairie dog and their habitat for their survival. The prairie dog is a critical component to healthy North American grasslands. ~ Dr. Jane Goodall ~

Estimated Declines

Species Historic Acreage Current Acreage Percent Decline
White-Tailed Prairie Dog 10 to 44 million 805,000 92
Mexican Prairie Dog 370,657 53,375 85
Utah Prairie Dog 448,000 6,977 98
Gunnison's Prairie Dog 9 to 62 million 336,000 96
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog 79 to 111 million 1.5 million 98

Black-tailed Prairie Dogs Need Endangered Species Act Protection

Instructions to sign an on-line petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/pdog123/petition.html

Listen to "Prairie Dogs Joy" by All My Relations

Fund For Wild Nature
The Fund for Wild Nature is a supporter of the Prairie Dog Coalition.
Please check out their new web page. Click here.