Last week, a diverse coalition of scientists, spiritual leaders, and conservation groups (including Center for Native Ecosystems) filed a formal notice of intent to sue the Fish and Wildlife Service over the agency’s refusal to conduct a full review of whether to list the Gunnison’s prairie dog under the Endangered Species Act. This formal notice comes in response to the Service’s February 2006 announcement that it would not consider giving the Gunnison’s prairie dog protection under the Act.

The Service’s negative finding was a surprise to scientists and conservationists alike, given the high degree of imperilment of the Gunnison’s prairie dog. Gunnison’s prairie dogs have declined by over 90% across their range due to historic and current poisoning and shooting, sylvatic plague, and habitat destruction. Among those signing onto the formal notice were scientist Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, who has studied Gunnison’s prairie dogs for over two decades, and Bob Luce, the former coordinator of the Interstate Prairie Dog Team.