His research focuses on the ecology of prairie dogs and how they interact with other species, including predators and their environment. He traps them to:
* Study their population dynamics: This includes things like their birth rate, death rate, and movement patterns.
* Track their movements: Researchers can track their movements by attaching radio collars or GPS trackers to trapped individuals.
* Conduct health assessments: To understand the health of prairie dog populations, researchers may need to trap individuals to take blood samples, measure their body weight, or examine their physical condition.
* Control prairie dog populations: In some cases, prairie dog populations may need to be managed for the benefit of other species or to prevent damage to agricultural land.
Mark Hoogland's work helps us better understand the role of prairie dogs in the ecosystem and develop strategies to protect them.