Prairie dogs build burrows that naturally store seeds and favor water filtration, regenerating grasslands that serve as a refuge for many species including desert tortoises, rattlesnakes and burrowing owls.

The Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) is an endemic mammal that only lives in north-central Mexico, and is highly endangered.

Prairie dogs play a fundamental role in their ecosystem by creating extensive tunnel and burrow systems. They spend an important part of their lives in these tunnels, and in doing so they move seeds into the soil and improve water filtering. In turn, this leads to the health and rebirth of grasslands, and the presence of many other species that live there.

Starting in 2014, we have worked to reintroduce Mexican prairie dogs to their natural habitat in the Zacatecas semi-desert, from where they had already disappeared. To date we have managed to establish 5 new Mexican prairie dog colonies in key areas.

While this has improved the general situation for Mexican prairie dogs, they remain very vulnerable, so it is essential to continue expanding their presence.