Diethylstilbestrol as a Temporary Chemosterilant to Control Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Populations

Abstract

Controlling reproduction in pest rodent populations may be preferable to using lethal rodenticides. The effectivenss of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, as a reproductive inhibitor in female bhtck-tailed prairie dogs (Cyuomys ludovicianus) was examined in a 4-year study at Wind Cave Nationnl Park, South Dakota. In 1979 and 1980, a study colony was monitored to determine age structure, reproductive success of individual animals, and rate of colony expansion. In 1981, the colony was divided into control and experimental areas. Application of DEStreated oats (.ll% active ingredient) during the breeding season resulted in complete curtailment of reproduction ln the experlmental group while reproduction in the control group was normal. Results were identical in 1982 when treatment was reversed. There were no obvious effects of DES treatment on subsequent reproductive capability of study animals. In 1981, surface expansion of the study colony was 4X less on the DES-treated side compared with control.

Behavioral Ecology of Dispersal in the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

“…The age ratio again was divided evenly in 1981, perhaps because of the effects of treatment of half of the females with diethylstilbestrol during the 1981 breeding season. Reproduction was reduced significantly for that year (Garrett and Franklin, 1983). However, after a second treatment with diethylstilbestrol in 1982, the age ratio again was skewed in favor of juveniles (x2 = 19.99, d.f.…”

“…We found a male-skewed sex ratio in the prereproductive age class of intercolony and intracolony dispersers, male intercolony dispersers moved farther than females, and the behavior of residents of the study colony operated to prevent incest. Females of the study colony commonly bred as yearlings (Garrett and Franklin, 1983), but only with an unrelated male. Older males usually moved to different coteries before their daughters attained breeding age (Hoogland, 1982; this study, n = 3).…”

Wildlife Conservation and Animal Rights: are they Compatible?

“…Furthermore, the drugs can be injected by dartfiring rifle, thus precluding the need for capture and handling. Similarly, Garrett and Franklin (1983) found that prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus) populations could be controlled by feeding the animals estrogen-laced grain. These colonially living rodents are highly seasonal breeders, and hormones need only be administered during a short period of time to have a significant impact on reproduction.…”

Eighth Great Plains wildlife damage control workshop proceedings

“…Garrett and Franklin (1982) in addition experimented with visual barriers as a means of reducing, halting or directing the expansion of dogtowns. Garrett and Franklin (1983) and later Klukas (unpublished) used Diethylstilbestrol (DES) to determine if prairie dog population management could be achieved by limiting natality. Population regulation through use of smoke bombs, rim and center fire rifles and zinc phosphide was also tested by park personnel.…”