Скачать или смотреть Prairie Dog | The prairie dog sits at the center of the entire ecosystem of the American prairie.

Despite their name, the five species of prairie dogs are not canines at all, but rodents. They were named for their dog-like barking sounds. They are considered to be the keystone species of the western plains. Their burrows help to churn the soil and promote water penetration. Their nitrogen-rich dung is a high-quality fertilizer that enriches the soil. And they provide a stable food source for predators. Experts believe that the loss of prairie habitats and the disappearance of prairie dog populations are linked together.
The first description of the prairie dog came from the expeditions of Lewis and Clark in 1804. Lewis described it as resembling a barking squirrel.
One of the more amazing facts is that prairie dogs are organized into large colonies called towns. The largest prairie dog town ever discovered was 25,000 square miles large and had about 400 million inhabitants.
The black-tailed prairie dog and Mexican prairie dog exhibit a behavior known as a jump-yip in which it jumps up into the air and emits a loud yipping sound. This behavior is contagious and soon spreads through the rest of the colony. It is not quite clear why they do this, but this adaptation might be a kind of all-clear signal for predators. Another explanation is that it helps prairie dogs collect information about the watchfulness of nearby colony mates.
These animals have a generally squirrel-like appearance. It is characterized by a small but stout body, rounded ears, a short tail, and strong digging claws. The short and coarse coat of fur is a yellowish-tan color with hints of brown and red. The tail is also covered in black, white, or gray fur. Weighing between 1 and 4 pounds, the prairie dog is about the same size as a rabbit. Its body measures 12 to 16 inches, while the tail adds another 1 to 5 inches. Males tend to be slightly larger than females on average, but their appearance is otherwise similar except for obvious sexual differences.