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Texas Working To Protect Black-Tailed Prairie DogLUBBOCK, TX-Representatives from Texas ranching and farming organizations, environmental groups, state and federal biologists, private landowners and others joined together recently to complete a state plan to conserve the black-tailed prairie dog and its grassland habitat. The species is currently a candidate for listing as "threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act.The management plan created by the Texas Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Working Group sets a goal of having 293,129 acres of occupied prairie dog habitat in the state by 2011. This number represents 1 percent of the original available habitat in Texas as estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Preliminary estimates indicate there's currently 150,000-170,000 acres of occupied prairie dog habitat in Texas, with a final inventory to be completed later this summer.The Texas plan has five goals:1. Determine the current population of black-tailed prairie dogs in Texas and establish a long-term monitoring program.2. Develop and implement an effective education and outreach program.3. Develop management options and guidelines that conserve prairie dogs at long-term sustainable levels.4. Review and make recommendations for regulatory changes in the status of black-tailed prairie dogs.5. Identify research needs and establish a research program that facilitates the long-term viability of black-tailed prairie dogs in Texas.The management plan doesn't restrict landowners from controlling prairie dogs, but it does offer incentives to restore prairie dogs and the grasslands upon which they and other species rely. It lists various government and nonprofit programs that offer financial grants, free land management advice and other technical assistance.Prairie dogs are currently a nongame species in Texas, with no closed hunting season or daily bag limit restrictions, although a valid hunting license is required to hunt them.
