Resource availability influences global social network properties in Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)

What is it about?

In a rapidly changing environment with pressing conservation needs, understanding how species respond to these changes is crucial. Understanding the interactions and social networks of group living species is providing much needed insight. In Gunnison's prairie dogs we find that the closeness of a group and how highly they stay connected is correlated with the amount of food available and the overall size of the group. This can have important conservation implications for these animals. They are often relocated to reduce conflict with humans and the survival rate of relocated individuals is typically low. We suggest that, when possible, social groups should be moved to an area that best matches the resources available from their original location.

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