Citizen knowledge and perception of black-tailed prairie dog management; report to respondents

Product Type: Open-file Report

Year: 2001

Author(s): Sexton, N.R., A. Brinson, P.D. Ponds, and K. Cline

Pages: 23

Suggested Citation: Sexton, N.R., A. Brinson, P.D. Ponds, and K. Cline. 2001. Citizen knowledge and perception of black-tailed prairie dog management; report to respondents: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2001-467. 23 p.

Abstract

What do citizens know about black-tailed prairie dogs, and where do they get their information? When management decisions need to be made regarding an animal such as the black-tailed prairie dog, an understanding of the species and its relationship to humans is necessary. This includes knowing the biology of the animal, where it lives, and how it interacts with other animals. But it is equally important for those making decisions about the species to understand citizen’s knowledge and perceptions so managers can effectively communicate with the public and help the public to participate in planning and decision making activities. Unfortunately, what is known about public knowledge, perception, and preferences concerning prairie dog management is limited to data from only a few areas. This study attempts to answer the question: What do people in the short-grass prairie region of the United States know and think about black-tailed prairie dogs?...