Prairie Dogs May Benefit from Social Network Research

Prairie dogs, which are susceptible to the deadly bubonic plague, may be saved by new social network research that sheds light on previously uncovered relationships between the animals.

Researchers from North Carolina State University and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) used statistical tools to map social connections in prairie dogs that until now were overlooked by traditional observational techniques. Understanding these connections may help scientists figure out how to limit the spread of bubonic plague and guide future conservation efforts.

"Prairie dogs are increasingly rare and are subject to bubonic plague," Dr. Jennifer Verdolin, lead author of a paper and an animal behavior researcher at NESCent, said in a statement.

"This work improves our understanding of the social dynamics within a prairie dog colony, which could help us find ways to mitigate the spread of plague. It also helps us understand how these social groups are connected, so we can limit the disruption to prairie dog populations when we need to relocate them for conservation purposes."

The study team analyzed data on three Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) colonies in Arizona, ranging in size from 60 to 200 individuals. And within each of these colonies are smaller social groups that are made up of up to 15 individuals.

One social interaction performed by prairies dogs called "greet kissing" was of particular interest to researchers. Greet kissing is when these animals briefly lock teeth with each other. This somewhat hostile behavior only happens between prairie dogs of different groups, after which they usually fight or chase one another.

By looking at data on greet kissing, Verdolin and her colleagues could determine which of these critters belonged to the same group.

This method also identified substructures within those social groups and key "bridge" individuals that connected different groups - findings that may have significant conservation applications.

"For example, there's a possibility that we could slow or stop the spread of plague in a colony by relocating these bridge individuals," said co-author Amanda Traud.

"By the same token," Verdolin added, "conservationists could use this data to be sure to relocate all of a relevant social group, rather than splitting up groups. That could improve the group's chances of thriving in a new environment."

The study's findings were published in the journal Ecological Complexity.