Numbers and Extent of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Towns in Kansas

A survey was conducted in 1992 to determine the number and extent of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns in Kansas. Feed grain aerial transparencies made for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) were examined for evidence of prairie dog towns in 60 counties across the range of prairie dogs in Kansas. Ground truthing a portion of the sites identified as prairie dog towns determined the accuracy of the technique and was the basis for estimating the numbers of prairie dog towns and areas they occupy in each of the counties. These efforts, plus data from a 1990 survey of prairie dog towns in 8 counties, determined that approximately 1017 prairie dog towns covering 18,843 ha existed in Kansas during 1990-1992. Suggestions are provided for conducting future surveys of prairie dog towns using ASCS feed grain transparencies.