论文信息 - CONTINUED DECLINE IN GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEXICAN PRAIRIE DOG (CYNOMYS MEXICANUS)

CONTINUED DECLINE IN GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEXICAN PRAIRIE DOG (CYNOMYS MEXICANUS)

Abstract We assessed the geographic distribution of the Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) by comparing historical reports, data from a 1996 study, and our distribution estimations from 1999. We located 54 active and 22 inactive prairie dog colonies, determined size for each one, and evaluated whether colony size and isolation had an impact on the persistence of colonies and likelihood for recovery. We estimated a current total distribution of 322 km2 within the Mexican states of Nuevo León (234 km2), Coahuila (82 km2), and San Luis Potosí (6 km2). The occupied range of the Mexican prairie dog suffered a 33% reduction from 1996 to 1999 and an overall reduction of 74% when compared with its documented historical range. We found no relationship between isolation and colony size for active colonies, although geographic isolation can result in decreases in the chances of colonies surviving stochastic events. Other challenges for the recovery of this species include the increased rate of habitat loss and deterioration, and landscape desertification factors.

E. Estrada | F. Chavez-Ramirez | Laura M. Scott-Morales | Mauricio Cotera

[1] Mark V. Lomolino,et al. DYNAMIC BIOGEOGRAPHY OF PRAIRIE DOG (CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS) TOWNS NEAR THE EDGE OF THEIR RANGE , 2001 .

[2] P. Stapp,et al. GENETIC STRUCTURE OF A METAPOPULATION OF BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS , 2001 .

[3] W. Grant,et al. Geographic Range of the Endangered Mexican Prairie Dog (Cynomys mexicanus) , 1998 .

[4] Gordon L. Kirkland,et al. Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, and Care of Mammals as Approved by the American Society of Mammalogists , 1998 .

[5] D. McCullough,et al. Metapopulations and Wildlife Conservation , 1997 .

[6] Ilkka Hanski,et al. The Metapopulation Approach, Its History, Conceptual Domain, and Application to Conservation , 1997 .

[7] J. Murie. The black-tailed prairie dog. , 1995, Science.

[8] Brian Groombridge,et al. 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals , 1996 .

[9] Richard P. Reading,et al. The Prairie Dog and Biotic Diversity , 1994 .

[10] E. Mellink,et al. Ecology of Mexican Prairie Dogs, Cynomys mexicanus, in El Manantial, Northeastern Mexico , 1993 .

[11] G. Ceballos,et al. Distribution and conservation status of prairie dogs Cynomys mexicanus and Cynomys ludovicianus in Mexico , 1993 .

[12] J. J. Pizzimenti,et al. Reproduction, Growth and Development, and Behavior in the Mexican Prairie Dog, Cynomys mexicanus (Merriam) , 1974 .

[13] C. H. Merriam. Description of a new prairie dog lCynomys mexicanusr from Mexico , 1892 .