Progress Towards the Implementation of the Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog (2021-2025)

2026

Species at Risk Act
Recovery Document Report Series

Long description for cover image

A Black-tailed Prairie Dog peers above its burrow in a grassland habitat, its raised tail showing a distinctive black tip.

Preface

The Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA) requires the competent minister(s) to report on the implementation of recovery documents (recovery strategies, action plans, and management plans) for species at risk and progress towards meeting their objectives (s.46, 55, and 72).

Under SARA, the minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency is the competent minister for individuals occurring in Parks Canada administered places and therefore has prepared this progress report.

Reporting on the progress towards the implementation of recovery documents includes reporting on the collective efforts of the competent minister(s), Indigenous partners, provincial and territorial governments, and all other parties involved in carrying out activities that contribute to the species' conservation and recovery.

As stated in the preamble to SARA, success in the conservation and recovery of species at risk depends on the commitment and cooperation of many contributors and will not be achieved by Parks Canada or any other jurisdiction alone. All members of the public are invited to join in supporting implementation of this recovery document for the benefit of the species and of society.

Acknowledgements

The progress described in this report would not have been achieved without the partnerships and contributions of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Geological Survey, and volunteers who contributed to Black-tailed Prairie Dog conservation science programs.

Introduction

The Black-tailed Prairie Dog was listed as Threatened in Schedule 1 of SARA in 2018. The species occurs in Grasslands National Park. Parks Canada published the final Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog in 2021. This report addresses progress made in implementing the document between 2021 and 2025.

This progress report is part of a series of documents for this species that should be taken into consideration together, including the COSEWIC assessment reports. Refer to the Black-tailed Prairie dog on the Species at Risk Public Registry for more information and related documents.

Progress Towards Meeting Objectives

The recovery strategy and action plan identified one two-part population and distribution objective for the recovery of the species. An update on the progress made towards meeting the objective, and thereby also the ecological impacts of the action plan, is provided below.

Progress towards meeting recovery document objectives is categorized based on methods used to report on species at risk population trends for the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program. CESI species at risk population trend indicators show whether the population and distribution trends of species at risk are consistent with the objectives set out in recovery strategies or management plans. Results should be interpreted with caution because it can take many years to show progress towards meeting population and distribution objectives, for example, due to the time needed for species to respond to recovery measures and for the collection and assessment of population and distribution information.

A category is not assigned to objectives that are not measurable or that do not target either the population or distribution of the species, for example, objectives focusing on survival, long-term viability, maintaining or protecting habitat, confirming presence etc.

Category	Explanation
Shows progress	Population and distribution trends consistent with objectives. This includes species that are stable and where the objective was to achieve stability.
Does not show progress	Population and distribution trends not consistent with objectives. This includes species that are stable below their objectives and species that are in decline.
Mixed evidence	Some information suggests improving population and distribution trends, but there is also some evidence of decline.
Insufficient information	Available data are insufficient to determine population and distribution trends.

To ensure, by 2040, at least 80% probability of persistence of the Canadian Black-tailed Prairie Dog population over 50 years (i.e., 2040-2090) within its known range in Canada, and maintain:

A minimum area of occupancy of 1,400 ha, measured as a moving average over a 6-year period, distributed across a minimum of 20 prairie dog colonies currently existing.
A minimum average population density of 7.5 individuals/ha, measured as a moving average over a 6-year period across visual count plots.

Category: Shows Progress

The minimum area of occupancy has continued to increase since the publication of the recovery strategy and action plan, and currently the 6-year moving average from 2020-2025 is 1,203.4 ha. This is showing progress towards achieving and maintaining a minimum area of occupancy of 1400 ha by 2040.

The minimum average population density across visual count plots is 16.8 individuals/ha. Sylvatic plague has been mitigated within the park boundary through actions outlined in the Plague Management Plan including pesticide application and sylvatic plague vaccine distribution. To our knowledge, annual mortality due to sylvatic plague is contained to less than 5% of the population.

Implementation of the Recovery Document

The recovery strategy and action plan identified 16 recovery measures nested under six broad approaches for the recovery of the species. An update on the status of each measure (complete, in progress, not started, or cancelled^{Footnote 1}) and activities undertaken during the reporting period is provided below.

Basic Research & Status Monitoring

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Support research partnerships to better understand factors affecting population dynamics and the long-term viability of the population.	By 2025, the Population Viability Analysis is updated with newly acquired data on survival and reproduction in response to climatic variation, sylvatic plague and other stressors.	In progress	A population viability analysis was developed by research partners in 2021. It will be updated and further refined to more accurately reflect survival and reproductive dynamics in response to climatic variability, sylvatic plague, and other stressors.
Assess genetic viability of the Canadian population and its structure in relation to others within the geographic region to inform conservation translocations and/or genetic management (e.g., genetic rescue), should these be necessary.	By 2025, the genetic diversity, inbreeding coefficient and the degree of genetic isolation from nearest populations are estimated.	Complete	The genetic diversity, inbreeding coefficient and the degree of genetic isolation from nearest populations were estimated and published in the scientific literature (Cullingham et al. 2023).
Test, on a small experimental scale, the effectiveness of supplemental feeding in dampening population crashes and minimize risk of population extirpation during multi-year drought, when the population is below minimum target density (i.e.., 7.5 individuals/ha).	By 2030, assess whether (and at which ecological thresholds) supplemental feeding is effective in mitigating population crashes following drought.	Not started	Not implemented during this five-year period due to resource constraints.
Support research to test alternative and complementary tools for plague management (e.g., Fipronil) and increase its effectiveness.	By 2025, the effectiveness and safety of Fipronil grain bait for control of fleas on Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies are tested in Canada, provided that applicable permits are obtained.	Complete	The effectiveness of Fipronil baits (i.e., FipBits) was evaluated on two colonies between 2023 and 2025. The results of this study are published in the scientific literature (Eads et al. 2026). The baits were found to be effective, and Grasslands National Park intends to progressively expand their application at a broader spatial scale within the park.
Habitat mapping and assessment to help identify/refine critical habitat and further prioritize sites for Black-tailed Prairie Dog colony expansion and creation within Grasslands National Park:	By 2025, vegetation and soil mapping within the West Block of the park is updated. By 2025, sites that are suitable for expansion and/or establishment of Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies within the park are identified, based on mapping data and habitat suitability index assessments.	Complete	Vegetation mapping was updated in 2021, and soil mapping was updated in winter 2024. A habitat suitability index was developed and requires validation. In addition, research partners published a peer‑reviewed study on multi‑scale modelling of prairie dog habitat associations that will help inform conservation and mitigation translocations of the species in the park (Singh et al. 2026), should this be considered.
Test different methods for establishing new colonies (e.g., fire, grazing, restoration and/or translocation), using habitat suitability indexing and habitat mapping data to prioritize areas for restoration while protecting and managing habitat for the recovery of multiple species at risk.	By 2030, management tools that are effective for establishing new prairie dog colonies are identified, depending on the availability of suitable sites.	Not started	Not implemented during this five-year period due to resource constraints.
Utilize local knowledge and satellite imagery to improve understanding of historical and current distribution of prairie dogs inside and outside the park.	By 2030, the historical range and current distribution of prairie dogs in Canada are updated with newly acquired data.	Not started	Not implemented during this five-year period due to resource constraints.

Species Stewardship

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Implement the Grasslands National Park sylvatic plague surveillance and management plan. Update and revise the plan based on the best available data/knowledge, available resources, and research results (see recovery action 4).	A surveillance and mitigation program for sylvatic plague is implemented annually. By 2030, the plague management plan is updated to reflect best available knowledge, scientific evidence and locally collected data.	In progress	A surveillance and mitigation program has been implemented annually in accordance with the 2021 Plague Management Plan, with implementation scaled to available resources. The plan is currently being updated to reflect the best available knowledge, scientific evidence, and locally derived data.
Implement the traffic management strategy to minimize Black-tailed Prairie Dog mortality on road-side colonies. Update and revise the strategy based on the best available data/knowledge and available resources	Road mortality of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on road-sides colonies is minimized through the annual implementation of a traffic management strategy.	In progress	The traffic management strategy has been implemented annually on road-side colonies and will be updated and further refined.
Prevent and mitigate colonization of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on private or Crown land outside Grasslands National Park and beyond critical habitat targeted by population and/or habitat management programs, to mitigate conflict and increase neighbor acceptance/trust toward agencies involved in Black-tailed Prairie Dog recovery and management. Control policies and tools to be in place before establishment or restoration of colonies is attempted within Grasslands National Park (see action #5). To be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and implemented using a combination of nonlethal control options and lethal control options if non-lethal control proves ineffective or non-feasible	By 2023, policies and operational protocols are in place to address, mitigate and manage conflict between ranching/agricultural operations and Black-tailed Prairie Dogs natural colonization on private or Crown land outside Grasslands National Park and beyond critical habitat. Stakeholder feedback and input is sought and included in the development of policies and protocols.	Complete	The Ministry of Environment is actively working with producers and the federal government to balance the requirement to protect a federally threatened species with producer concerns regarding the expansion of prairie dog colonies on the lands they use. The Black-tailed Prairie Dog Control Policy allows landowners/ranchers to lethally control prairie dogs, by permit, following a site assessment by a ministry official. The policy was adopted in 2023 as a pilot project. One licence was requested, but no permit was issued Policy is expired as of 2026 and is being re-assessed. Non-compliant producers who lethally control prairie dogs without a provincial permit are liable under The Wildlife Act for killing a protected species. The Ministry of Environment engaged with both pasture groups that have designated Critical Habitat for prairie dogs (Masefield and Dixon). During ministry engagement sessions in February 2025 with producers dealing with Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies, producers voiced the desire to switch the optics from a "negative" permit to control prairie dogs, to a "positive" agreement that highlights their stewardship of the land and allows them to control expansion of colonies. This work is in progress.

Measure

Desired outcome

Status

Description of Progress

Implement the Grasslands National Park sylvatic plague surveillance and management plan. Update and revise the plan based on the best available data/knowledge, available resources, and research results (see recovery action 4).

A surveillance and mitigation program for sylvatic plague is implemented annually.

By 2030, the plague management plan is updated to reflect best available knowledge, scientific evidence and locally collected data.

In progress

A surveillance and mitigation program has been implemented annually in accordance with the 2021 Plague Management Plan, with implementation scaled to available resources. The plan is currently being updated to reflect the best available knowledge, scientific evidence, and locally derived data.

Implement the traffic management strategy to minimize Black-tailed Prairie Dog mortality on road-side colonies. Update and revise the strategy based on the best available data/knowledge and available resources

Road mortality of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on road-sides colonies is minimized through the annual implementation of a traffic management strategy.

In progress

The traffic management strategy has been implemented annually on road-side colonies and will be updated and further refined.

Prevent and mitigate colonization of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on private or Crown land outside Grasslands National Park and beyond critical habitat targeted by population and/or habitat management programs, to mitigate conflict and increase neighbor acceptance/trust toward agencies involved in Black-tailed Prairie Dog recovery and management. Control policies and tools to be in place before establishment or restoration of colonies is attempted within Grasslands National Park (see action #5). To be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and implemented using a combination of nonlethal control options and lethal control options if non-lethal control proves ineffective or non-feasible

By 2023, policies and operational protocols are in place to address, mitigate and manage conflict between ranching/agricultural operations and Black-tailed Prairie Dogs natural colonization on private or Crown land outside Grasslands National Park and beyond critical habitat. Stakeholder feedback and input is sought and included in the development of policies and protocols.

Complete

The Ministry of Environment is actively working with producers and the federal government to balance the requirement to protect a federally threatened species with producer concerns regarding the expansion of prairie dog colonies on the lands they use.

The Black-tailed Prairie Dog Control Policy allows landowners/ranchers to lethally control prairie dogs, by permit, following a site assessment by a ministry official.
- The policy was adopted in 2023 as a pilot project.
- One licence was requested, but no permit was issued
- Policy is expired as of 2026 and is being re-assessed.
Non-compliant producers who lethally control prairie dogs without a provincial permit are liable under The Wildlife Act for killing a protected species.
The Ministry of Environment engaged with both pasture groups that have designated Critical Habitat for prairie dogs (Masefield and Dixon). During ministry engagement sessions in February 2025 with producers dealing with Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies, producers voiced the desire to switch the optics from a "negative" permit to control prairie dogs, to a "positive" agreement that highlights their stewardship of the land and allows them to control expansion of colonies.
- This work is in progress.

Ecosystem & Natural Process (Re)Creation

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Manage and apply prescribed fire and grazing (i.e., livestock, bison) in areas adjacent to existing Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies within Grasslands National Park to maintain favourable habitat conditions for occupation and natural expansion. Use existing habitat mapping and decision tool and multi-species at risk approach to prioritize areas for habitat management	By 2030, prescribed fires are applied on an average of 25 hectares/year with the goal of maintaining favourable habitat conditions for Black-tailed Prairie Dog occupation and natural expansion while managing for multiple species at risk. By 2030, grazing strategies are in place to improve habitat for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and other species at risk.	In progress	Bison grazing occurs within a portion of the West Block and is hypothesized to contribute to the maintenance of favourable habitat conditions for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs across several colonies (e.g., Ecotour, Police Coulee, Timbergulch, and Larson).

Direct Economic Incentives

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Evaluate, develop and implement strategic grazing management or prescriptions, including reduced lease fees (e.g., compensating for loss of forage by prairie dogs or other tools) or providing alternative land for grazing, should additional land be allocated for Black-tailed Prairie Dog management.	By 2030, grazing agreements within Grasslands National Park are in place to manage habitat for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs while accounting for forage loss or providing applicable ranchers with alternative land for grazing.	Not started	Not implemented during this five-year period due to resource constraints.
Evaluate, and if deemed feasible, implement the use of grass banking and/or tax breaks to compensate for range loss due to Black-tailed Prairie Dogs outside Grasslands National Park on currently occupied habitat; ensure applicable multi-jurisdiction agreements are developed in consultation and coordination with landowner/stakeholders.	By 2025, policies and agreements to support grazing strategies compatible with Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on occupied habitat outside Grasslands National Park are evaluated or identified. · By 2030, such policies and strategies are implemented, where applicable.	Complete	The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has committed to adjusting the rental on agricultural Crown leases with established Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies after confirming the presence of and collecting a geographic information system boundary of the colony during a site assessment; this provides incentives to not harm the species or its habitat and acknowledges the loss in production.

Conservation Planning

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Contribute to an inter-agency, landscape planning process to promote multi-species at risk habitat conservation in the greater Grasslands National Park ecosystem and South of the Divide, capture the ecological value of native prairie in the market (e.g., wildlife-friendly beef) and prevent further habitat loss (e.g., conservation easements on deeded land).	By 2030, responsible jurisdictions, agencies and stakeholders in the South of the Divide have evaluated and identified conservation strategies, economic tools and incentives to capture the ecological value of native prairie and help prevent further habitat loss.	In progress	Grasslands National Park staff engage in regular meetings with the South of the Divide core team and are currently collaborating on an updated plan to address gaps in implementation of conservation measures within the South of the Divide priority place.

Outreach and Communications

Measure	Desired outcome	Status	Description of Progress
Develop and implement a communication plan (e.g., town hall or one-on-one meetings, newsletter, etc.) to provide details, share information and receive feedback with respect to Black-tailed Prairie Dog management, and to the extent possible, incorporate local knowledge into future plans.	By 2022, Grasslands National Park has developed a communication plan to exchange information with local stakeholders on Black-tailed Prairie Dog recovery and management programs. · By 2025, this plan is implemented annually and amended as required by involved parties.	In progress	A communication plan has been drafted but has not yet been finalized or implemented due to resource constraints.
Engage the public in research and active management programs to support conservation science and increase awareness of species at risk recovery, in collaboration with existing or developing outreach programming to urban audiences.	Volunteer programs in Grasslands National Park are in place and implemented annually to engage the public in Black-tailed Prairie Dog conservation science. · By 2030, Grasslands National Park interpretation programs are built to reflect and share knowledge obtained through Black-tailed Prairie Dog monitoring and recovery programs. · Conservation stories on Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are shared annually using Grasslands National Park social media or other communication tools.	In progress	The public have been engaged annually through interpretive panels, 257 guided hikes and school programs, and 36 social media posts during the reporting period, all of which included information about the species. Volunteers contributed to the Fipronil experimental study by supporting live-trapping of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs.

Critical Habitat Studies

The recovery strategy and action plan included three studies to complete the identification of critical habitat for the species. An update on the status of each study (complete, in progress, not started, or cancelled^{Footnote 2}) and activities undertaken during the reporting period are provided below.

Develop and implement a Habitat Suitability Index to rank general areas identified as suitable for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs based on abiotic factors, according to the Habitat Mapping and Decision Support Tool

Status: Complete

A habitat suitability index was developed to rank general areas identified as suitable for Black‑tailed Prairie Dogs, consistent with the Habitat Mapping and Decision Support Tool. An index has been developed for application within Grasslands National Park. In parallel, research partners published a peer‑reviewed study employing multi‑scale modelling to characterize prairie dog habitat associations, providing additional scientific information to support future refinement and application of habitat suitability tools (Singh et al. 2026).

Update vegetation/soil mapping and habitat suitability model within Grasslands N.P.

Status: Complete

The soil and vegetation inventory and mapping was updated within Grasslands National Park to help identify additional suitable areas for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and potentially refine the critical habitat model. Vegetation mapping was updated in 2021, and soil mapping was updated by winter 2024. A habitat suitability index was developed for inside Grasslands National Park.

Complete vegetation/soil mapping and habitat suitability assessment outside Grasslands N.P.

Status: Not started

This study has not yet moved forward due to limited access to lands outside the park boundary. Progress depends on collaboration with local landowners, and efforts have been impacted by concerns about compatibility between species conservation and agricultural land use. As a result, opportunities to assess Black-tailed Prairie Dog habitat beyond Grasslands National Park are currently limited.

Socio-economic Impacts

The socio-economic evaluation provided in the Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog in Canada presented the forecasted costs and benefits as a result of implementation of the action plan.

Summary of Costs

During the reporting period of 2021-2026, financial costs associated with implementation of the Action Plan were borne primarily by Parks Canada through existing salaries and operational budgets. These costs included incremental staffing, materials, equipment, research, monitoring, sylvatic plague surveillance and mitigation, habitat assessment, and communication and engagement activities. Recovery measures were largely integrated into the ongoing operations of Grasslands National Park, including ecological integrity monitoring and species at risk recovery programming, and did not result in additional costs to the public.

No major socio‑economic costs to Indigenous rights‑holders, partners, stakeholders, or the general public were identified during the five‑year period. The majority of critical habitat for the Black‑tailed Prairie Dog occurs within Grasslands National Park, thereby limiting impacts on land use outside the park boundary. Where undertaken, research and monitoring activities benefited from cost‑sharing and in‑kind contributions from academic institutions and conservation partners.

Potential opportunity costs associated with forage competition between Black‑tailed Prairie Dogs and livestock, particularly at local scales, were recognized in the action plan. However, given the predominance of habitat within protected or managed lands, and the use of adaptive and voluntary management approaches, these costs were considered limited and were not quantified during the reporting period.

Summary of Benefits

Implementation of the action plan over the five‑year period contributed to progress toward population and distribution objectives for the Black‑tailed Prairie Dog and supported broader ecological integrity outcomes within the Canadian mixed‑grass prairie ecosystem. As a keystone species and ecosystem engineer, recovery actions for the Black‑tailed Prairie Dog are expected to produce ecological benefits for a range of associated species, including several species at risk.

Recovery measures also supported the Government of Canada's commitments to biodiversity conservation under domestic and international frameworks. In addition, implementation activities enhanced opportunities for scientific research, monitoring, and public education, and increased awareness of prairie ecosystems and species at risk conservation.

Distributional Impacts and Partnerships

Implementation of the action plan over the five‑year period relied on collaboration among multiple organizations and groups, including Parks Canada, other federal and provincial departments, non‑governmental organizations, academic institutions, and local stakeholders. These partnerships facilitated knowledge generation, monitoring, and adaptive management, and supported shared responsibility for species recovery.

Overall Assessment

Overall, from 2021-2026, implementation of the measures in the action plan over the five‑year reporting period resulted in limited socio‑economic costs, which were largely absorbed within existing Parks Canada resources. Restrictions on land use and visitor activities were minimal. Benefits included progress toward recovery objectives, positive contributions to park ecological integrity, enhanced research and monitoring capacity, and increased opportunities for engagement with partners and the public.

Conclusion

Parks Canada remains committed to the conservation and recovery of species at risk occurring within its administered places. The work that has been implemented to date has built a strong foundation for the continued protection and management of the Black‑tailed Prairie Dog and associated species at risk within Grasslands National Park. Parks Canada, together with its partners, will continue to work toward achieving population and distribution objectives for the species in collaboration with other jurisdictions, stakeholders, and the public.

Over the past five years, Parks Canada has completed or advanced a number of recovery measures and critical habitat studies identified in the recovery strategy and action plan. These efforts have strengthened scientific understanding of population dynamics, genetic viability, habitat associations, and disease management, and have contributed to progress toward the recovery objective, as measured through population and distribution indicators.

Implementation efforts over the five‑year period focused primarily on actions within Grasslands National Park and emphasized research, monitoring, habitat mapping, disease management, and public engagement. Several recovery measures were completed or advanced, including genetic viability assessments, testing of new plague management tools, updates to vegetation and soil mapping, and the development of a habitat suitability index. Other measures, particularly those requiring substantial additional resources, or broad engagement beyond park boundaries, were not initiated or remain in progress.

Progress toward recovery outside Grasslands National Park remains limited due to land access and social considerations. As a result, some habitat assessment and stewardship activities have been impacted, underscoring the need for continued collaboration and adaptable recovery planning.

In the continued implementation of the recovery strategy and action plan, Parks Canada will build on the knowledge and experience gained during the 2021–2026 period. Future efforts will focus on sustaining disease management actions, refining and applying habitat suitability tools, advancing outstanding recovery measures as resources permit, and strengthening partnerships to support the long‑term persistence of the Black‑tailed Prairie Dog in Canada.

References

Cullingham, C.I., T.R. Stephens, KD Swan, SC Wilson, JK Janes, MR Matchett, R. Griebel, and A. Moehrenschlager. 2023. Genetic analysis reveals hidden threats and new motivation for conservation translocation of black-tailed prairie dogs at the northern limit of their range. Global Ecology and Conservation 46(2023):e02591.

Eads, D.A, M.R. Matchett, M. McCaffery, A. Hemmah, A. Jarding, J. Cordova, H. Heimann, S. Liccioli, L.E. Gardiner, J. Cormack, H. Hicks, J. Fly, E. Childers, T.M. Livieri, M.L. Hladik, D.E. Biggins. 2026. Edible baits for systemic flea control, plague mitigation, and wildlife conservation: evaluation of four active ingredients with three rodent species in western North America. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 29(2026):101216.

Singh, T., T. Stephens, D.B. Ransome, S. Wilson, S. Liccioli, and A. Moehrenschlager. 2026. Multi-scale modelling of prairie dog habitat associations to inform conservation translocation at their northern extent. Global Ecology and Conservation 67(2026):e04167.

Date modified :: 2026-07-02