Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
Quick answer
Black-tailed prairie dogs live in vast underground towns across North American shortgrass prairie, supporting hawks, black-footed ferrets, and burrowing owls. Weighing about 1.5 kg, living roughly 8 years, and sprinting 24 km/h, their alarm calls distinguish predator types.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Cynomys ludovicianus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore — grasses, forbs, and roots |
| Habitat | Shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie of central North America |
| Lifespan | 3–8 years in the wild |
| Weight | 0.7–1.5 kg (1.5–3.3 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 24 km/h (15 mph) to burrow |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Genus | Cynomys |
Where it lives
Shortgrass prairie of the Great Plains from Montana and North Dakota to Texas and northeastern Mexico.
What is a group of black-tailed prairie dogs called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs is called a town.
Baby name
A baby Black-tailed Prairie Dog is called a pup.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs live in Shortgrass prairie of the Great Plains from Montana and North Dakota to Texas and northeastern Mexico. Preferred habitat includes shortgrass and mixed-grass prairie of central north america. Across North America, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs typically reach about 0.4 m in length and 1.5 kg in weight, with top speeds near 24 km/h. The keystone burrower of the plains. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs feed on herbivore — grasses, forbs, and roots. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild black-tailed prairie dogs.
Human interest and research
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Black-tailed Prairie Dog
- How Long do Prairie Dog Live?
Dig deeper into black-tailed prairie dog — how long do prairie dog live.
- Prairie Dog Facts 4
Dig deeper into black-tailed prairie dog — prairie dog facts 4.
- Prairie Dog Facts 5
Dig deeper into black-tailed prairie dog — prairie dog facts 5.
- What do Prairie Dog Eat
Dig deeper into black-tailed prairie dog — what do prairie dog eat.
- Where do Prairie Dog Live?
Dig deeper into black-tailed prairie dog — where do prairie dog live.
Explore the Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Did you know? Black-tailed Prairie Dog facts
- Black-tailed prairie dogs live in vast underground towns that support hawks, ferrets, and burrowing owls.
- No — prairie dogs are social squirrels above ground; gophers are solitary burrowers.
- Ranchers historically viewed them as competing with livestock for grass.
- Conservation: Least Concern.
Diet & feeding
Black-tailed Prairie Dog feeds primarily as a grasses and forbs.
Adaptations
- Prairie dog colonies increase plant diversity and provide homes for dozens of species.
- Distinct calls warn of hawks versus coyotes, prompting different escape responses.
Behaviour & ecology
- Prairie dog colonies increase plant diversity and provide homes for dozens of species.
- Distinct calls warn of hawks versus coyotes, prompting different escape responses.
Communication
- Black-tailed Prairie Dog uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
North American shortgrass prairie
Ecological role
Black-tailed Prairie Dog plays a recognised ecological role in north american shortgrass prairie.
Frequently asked questions about the Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Where do black-tailed prairie dogs live?
Shortgrass prairie of the Great Plains from Montana and North Dakota to Texas and northeastern Mexico.
What do black-tailed prairie dogs eat?
Herbivore — grasses, forbs, and roots.
How long do black-tailed prairie dogs live?
About 8 years in the wild on average.
Are black-tailed prairie dogs endangered?
IUCN status: Least Concern.
What is a group of black-tailed prairie dogs called?
A group of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs is called a town.
What is a baby black-tailed prairie dog called?
A baby Black-tailed Prairie Dog is called a pup.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Cynomys ludovicianus.
- IUCN Red List — Cynomys ludovicianus.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Cynomys ludovicianus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
