The Role of Prairie Dogs in Preventing Desertification
Introduction: Tiny Architects of the Grasslands When you think of environmental superheroes, prairie dogs probably don’t make your top ten list. After all, they’re small, chubby ground squirrels known mostly for popping out of holes and chirping at predators. But these tiny rodents are surprisingly crucial in the battle against desertification a process that turns fertile land into deserts due to poor land management, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Found throughout North America’s grasslands, prairie dogs are considered a keystone…