A detailed resource both for armchair naturalists and observers in the field, this concise handbook provides an accurate, informative portrait of prairie dogs and their natural surroundings. Included in this title are detailed guides to the behavior, biology, and ecological impact of the various species of prairie dogs. An important focus covers the interactions between family members and groups, a complex and sophisticated arrangement of bonds, communication, and support that helps these animals survive in harsh conditions. Also discussed is the equally complex relationship between prairie dogs and their predators, including snakes, ferrets, and raptors, which have complex behaviors of their own, adapted in response to prairie dog activities.
Book Description
A combination illustrated field guide, fact book, and folklore collection, "Prairie Dogs" is a unique and practical guide to these intriguing creatures and their social structure. Unlike other rodents, prairie dogs live in colonies and have long inspired humans with their complex social interactions. Up until the mid-1800s they were found in large numbers throughout most of the states west of the Mississippi, coexisting with buffalo and antelope on the broad plains. But farming, ranching, and urban sprawl have all contributed to a dramatic reduction in their numbers. For some species, they are now endangered.
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About the Author
Kim Long specializes in finding the fascinating in the familiar. His many books and publications include six prior titles in the Johnson Nature Series—"Squirrels," "Wolves," "Hummingbirds," "Owls," "Frogs," and "Beavers"—as well as "The Moon Book" and the annual "Moon Calendar." He lives in Denver.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A highly enjoyable, information-packed book,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Prairie Dogs: A Wildlife Handbook (Johnson Nature) (Paperback)
The newest addition to the outstanding "Johnson Nature Series", Prairie Dogs: A Wildlife Handbook by wildlife expert Kim Long is an amazing, informative, "reader friendly" guide to a fascinating species of small mammal. Prairie Dogs thoroughly documents the species, habits, and habitats of the prairie dog as well as relating myths and folklore. A highly enjoyable, information-packed book Prairie Dogs is enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone with an interest in these sociable, energetic creatures and a welcome addition to school and community library wildlife reference collections.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brief, informative overview,
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This review is from: Prairie Dogs: A Wildlife Handbook (Johnson Nature) (Paperback)
This book is readable and decently-written. I found myself wishing for more in-depth information. The book is illustrated with good-quality drawings. I enjoyed it, but craved more depth. Probably unrealistic of me to expect it from a book with 150 or so pages of text.The book has a brief coverage of relevant Indian legends, a surprising amount of information on details of the different species of prairie dog, how the prairie dog fits into the ecosystem, and decent coverage of animals with close ties, such as the black-footed ferret. The main place I felt "shorted" is the brief coverage of prairie dog behavior.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Among the numerous types of animals found in the West, the prairie dog may have been greater in numbers than others, but it had much less impact as a mythical symbol. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
individual prairie dogs, adult prairie dogs, prairie dog range, prairie dog colonies, prairie dog species, wek wek, young prairie dogs, prairie dog burrows, licensed hunters, prairie dog colony, remaining range, burrowing owl, rock squirrel, burrow system, burrow entrance, burrowing activity, smaller colonies, prairie dog town Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
North America, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, New Mexico, Henry Howe, Missouri River, United States, Historical Collections of the Great West, Native American, Commerce of the Prairies, Josiah Gregg, The Western World New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Among the numerous types of animals found in the West, the prairie dog may have been greater in numbers than others, but it had much less impact as a mythical symbol. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
individual prairie dogs, adult prairie dogs, prairie dog range, prairie dog colonies, prairie dog species, wek wek, young prairie dogs, prairie dog burrows, licensed hunters, prairie dog colony, remaining range, burrowing owl, rock squirrel, burrow system, burrow entrance, burrowing activity, smaller colonies, prairie dog town Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
North America, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, New Mexico, Henry Howe, Missouri River, United States, Historical Collections of the Great West, Native American, Commerce of the Prairies, Josiah Gregg, The Western World New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 33
books:
See all 33 books this book cites
- Historical Collections Of The Great West (Notable American Authors) by Henry Howe on 4 pages
- Commerce of the Prairies: Life on the Great Plains in the 1830's and 1840's by Josiah Gregg on page 14, page 37, and page 120
- Mammals of the World - Volumes 1 and 2 by Ernest Pillsbury Walker on page 42, page 45, and Back Matter
- Wild Animals by John F. McGee in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- The Rocky Mountains (World's Wild Places) by Bryce S. Walker on page 46
See all 33 books this book cites
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