Mexican+Prairie+Dog

Mexican Prairie Dog
//Cynomys mexicanus// Cynomys- A genus of rodents with stout, thick-set bodies and short bushy tails. Mexicanus- Its geographic location is in the South American country, Mexico. In English it means "Mexican Prairie Marmot".
 * Domain:** Eukarya
 * Kingdom:** Animalia
 * Phylum:** Chordata
 * Class:** Mammalia
 * Order:** Rodentia
 * Family:** Sciuridae
 * Genus:** Cynomys (1)
 * Species:** C. mexicanus

Habitat
Mexican Prairie Dogs are located in the flat prairies and valleys of Coahuila and San Luis Potosi, which endemic to north-central Mexico. They inhabit these areas at altitudes of 1600-2200 meters where there are vast areas of deep soils, herbs, and grasses. In order to protect their selves from predators and other dangers, these unique rodents develop extensive burrow networks known as 'towns'. These towns contain hundreds of individuals. Each town has a single dominant male, several females, and a great amount of offspring. So how are these burrows protecting such a small group of animals? Well it is simple. Dirt is heaped up close to the entrance and it is used as a lookout post. The picture above is a great example on how they look for any hazards. If a predator is spotted during the lookout, an alarm call is given so they can retreat to their burrow.

Food-Herbs and grasses;Predators-Weasels, Coyotes or Birds; Clay soils; Good soil composition(provides structural support and depth for burrowing) determines whether the prairie dogs will colonize or re-colonize.
 * Biotic Factors**

Elevations 1600-2200 m
 * Abiotic Factors**

Mexican Prairie Dogs have various physical and behavioral adaptations that suit their environment. There are five digits on each foot and each digit has a thick, black, curved claw. This feature is commonly used for digging the burrows that play such a huge factor for their protection. Prairie dogs have different coats for different seasons, known as pelages. They shed these hairs two times a year; the molting process lasts for about two weeks. During spring, the pelage has a heavy coat with thick underfur. During winter, the coat contains dense underfur that helps retain heat. A very important asset to having physical adaptations that suit your environment, is the ability to be aware of your surroundings. This is why Mexican Prairie dogs have large auditory bullae, which allows them to hear sounds ranging from 29-26,000 Hz. They use this adaptation along with looking out for predators. This task takes about 95% of their day when the sun is out. If they are above ground and temperatures rise above 27 degrees Celsius, they go to burrows to cool off. In these burrows or "towns", prairie dogs engage in many social acts; whether they are aggressive or friendly behaviors. Occasionally, intraspecific competition occurs and various family groups may have to protect their territory.

**Species Interactions**
The Mexican Prairie Dog plays a huge role in the food chain because they are in the middle. It turns plant matter into flesh which is consumed by countless carnivorous species, therefore it is a primary consumer. Grasses and their roots are the producers that are consumed by theses rodents. They eat the grasses during the summer and eat the roots during the winter. Coarser grasses and weeds are never eaten. Prairie dogs have a lot of predators that can attack them, whether it's underground, on the ground, or from the air. The secondary consumers are burrow snakes. They extend the food web because they are the prey species of golden eagles. Badgers, golden eagles, falcons, and coyotes(the rest of the predators) are tertiary consumers. The amount of plant material available directly affects prairie dogs since they are herbivorous. When plant growth is active, feeding is focused on the stems and leaves. During April and May, grasses are consumed the most while forbs are consumed during the summer. The nutritional quality is the reason why they switch their diet throughout the seasons.

**Reproduction**
Breeding season begins in January and ends in March; a 90 day period. Females tend to mate before one-year-old, while males tend to wait til they are two years of age. Males make an alarm like call to female prairie dogs and if the male is sexually active, they will go underground to breed. They reproduce once a year and can give birth up to six pups. The gestation, or pregnancy period is an average of 30 days. It takes about a month for a baby prairie dog to full develop a pelage, skin pigmentation, and sight. Once this development stage is over, the pups are nursed for approximately fifty days. Despite their different parental responsibilities, the male and female both take proper care of their pups. Males defend the territory and females nurse the babies. The juveniles stay in the burrows for 5-6 weeks and then emerge as independent rodents.

Art
Mexican Prairie Dog, 2010; archival inkjet print on paper, grenade parts, copper rod, artificial sinew; 13 x 7.75 x 10 in. This work of art is a product of the creativity of Anne Lemanski. Her sculpture of a Mexican Prairie Dog is very life like due to the materials used to create it. Rawhide, vinyl, vintage paper, old photographs, wood veneer, even serape cloth and pantyhose are the many materials used to build this figure. As she stretches a pelt over the skeletal framework, she feels a strong connection. "We are all animals," she says. "Wondrous and mysterious creatures." Lemanski has a very strong connection to this animal due to encounters she has had with the endangered species during her upbringing. This piece is featured in the latest edition of the American Craft Magazine.

This piece of art is a part of endangered species wildlife artist, Carol Lozito's "Southwest Wildlife Collection". Her colorful style of art is used to bring public awareness of the abuse endangered species face. Lozito's artwork has been exhibited in New York, Florida, and Southern California