2010-03-11_REVISION - C1980007 (2)

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The Gunnison's prairie dog inhabits short grass prairies in high mountain valleys and plateaus of southern Rocky Mountains at elevations of 6,000-12,000' (1,800-3,600 m). Habitat is much more variable topographically and vegetationally than that of the Black-tailed Prairie Dog, which occurs at lower elevations. Gunnison's prairie dog is active only when the sun is up, and is most energetic near dawn and dusk. It is constantly vigilant while aboveground, often sitting upright on its hind feet while it pursues its main activities: mainly feeding, but also grooming and playing. This animal generally is seen from April to October. It hibernates in winter, living on stored body fat. It usually emerges in April, though they will emerge earlier if the winter is mild. Gunnison's prairie dog feeds on green vegetation, particularly grasses, but also forbs, sedges, and shrubs, as well as a few insects. Colonies are generally smaller and less closely knit than those of other prairie dogs, resembling ground squirrel aggregations, with fewer than 50 to 100 individuals. Burrow systems can be up to 80 feet long and 16 feet deep in well-established colonies. Burrows can have food storage, flood, nesting, communal and excrement chambers. The Gunnison prairie dog's alarm call is distinctive among prairie dogs and is important to the survival and structure of the community. It is a series of high-pitched barks of one or two distinct syllables, with the second syllable lower and more guttural. Due to a lack of suitable habitat OSM has determined that the TR-120 revision will "not effect" the continued existence of the Gunnison's prairie dog. Previous Consultations In a letter dated August 20, 1985, (SE/SLC: 6-5-85-0023) USF&WS concurred with OSM's July 11, 1985 "not likely to jeopardize" determination for the Colorado River Fishes due to a 11.9 ac/ft water depletion. In a letter dated June 30, 1994, (ES/GJ-6-CO-93-F-040) USF&WS concurred with OSM's March 14, 1994 "may effect" determination for the Colorado River Fishes due to a 29.0 ac/ft water depletion, and waived the depletion fee. In a letter dated October 31, 1995, (GJ-6-RO-95-F-001-GJ-310) USF&WS concurred with OSM's October 12, 1995 "may effect" determination for the Colorado River Fishes due to a 76.4 ac/ft water depletion, and waived the depletion fee. In a letter dated June 9, 2005, (ES-6-RO-95-F-001-GJ387) concurred with OSM's determinations for eleven (11) threatened, endangered and candidate species and with GSM's "may effect likely to adversely effect" determination for the Colorado River Fishes due to a 84.2 ac/ft water depletion, and waived the depletion fee. The USF&WS has previously determined that water depletions in the Upper Colorado River System are a major source of impact to the endangered fish species. Continued water withdrawals have restricted the ability of the Colorado River system to produce the flow conditions required by the various life stages of these fish.