A Critical Review of Assumptions About the Prairie Dog as a Keystone Species

摘要

Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have been labeled as keystone species because of their infleunce on biological diversity and ecosystem function. However, the validity of several assumptions used to support keystone status is questionable. We reivew the strength of the evidence and the magnitude of the prairie dog's effects on ecosystem structure and function. We use this review to reevaluat the keystone role for prairie dogs. Our gal is to encourage sund management of the prairie dog ecosystme by improving the ecological fundation of their keystone status.