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Ecology
of Coyote at
Wind
Cave
National Park
Jonathan Jenks
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Science
Abstract:
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are the major predator at Wind
Cave National Park (WCNP). Due
to their protection in the Park, coyotes can observed hunting on
the open prairie and ponderosa pine forests during diurnal
hours. Through
tracking 20 radio-collared coyotes, information will be
collected regarding coyote use of resources in the Park.
These data will be used to analyze coyote home range,
habitat use, food habits, and denning ecology in the Park.
Past studies at WCNP have indicated that coyotes
regularly use prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns, which
also are the home of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes).
Because the Park is evaluating the potential
reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, information on coyote
ecology is essential to verify their influence on and to
conserving and sustaining healthy ferret populations.
Funding
Agency: National
Park Service
Modification #: J15603DSRM1: $53,160
0001: (-$2,932)
0002: No cost extension
$50,228
Effective
Dates:
October 7, 2002
through June
30, 2007 |
