Mammals
Mexican Prairie Dog
Cynomys mexicanus · also called Mexican prairie-dog
On a high grassland plateau in northeastern Mexico, a Mexican prairie dog stands sentry beside its burrow and barks a warning, one of the rarest towns of small mammals in North America.
Overview
The Mexican prairie dog, Cynomys mexicanus, is an Endangered rodent found only in a small area of high grassland in northeastern Mexico. Its black-tipped tail, town-dwelling life, and shrinking range make it a close but far rarer cousin of the black-tailed prairie dog.
A prairie dog at the southern edge
The Mexican prairie dog lives at the far southern edge of the prairie dog family, in a landscape where farming and grazing have steadily taken its habitat.
Status
Endangered, with a decreasing population confined to a small area of northeastern Mexico.
Mexican Prairie Dog: common questions
Where does the Mexican prairie dog live?
It lives only in a small area of high grassland in northeastern Mexico.
Why is the Mexican prairie dog endangered?
It has lost much of its grassland to farming and overgrazing and has also been poisoned as a pest.
How is the Mexican prairie dog related to the black-tailed prairie dog?
It is a close relative, and like the black-tailed prairie dog it has a black-tipped tail.
Does the Mexican prairie dog live in colonies?
Yes, it lives in colonies called towns of linked burrows, with sentinels that bark alarm calls.