Ep 2. The Prairie Killers

Our Vanishing Wilderness is a nature documentary series that highlights different types of ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home. In season 1 episode 2 titled "The Prairie Killers," the focus is on the Great Plains region of North America and the devastating impact that human activities have had on this once-thriving grassland.

The episode begins with a look at the history of the Great Plains, which were once home to vast herds of bison and teeming with wildlife. However, over the past century, the Plains have been largely transformed into agricultural land, with nearly 97% of the original grassland now gone. This has had a profound impact on the ecosystem, with many native species struggling to survive in the new landscape.

The main focus of the episode is on the plight of the prairie dog, a keystone species that is essential to the health of the grassland. Prairie dogs are known for their extensive burrow systems, which provide important shelter for a wide variety of other animals, including snakes, owls, and black-footed ferrets. However, prairie dogs are also viewed as pests by many ranchers, who see them as competition for grazing land and a potential threat to their livestock.

To address this problem, many ranchers have turned to a practice known as prairie dog poisoning. This involves spreading a lethal toxin throughout prairie dog colonies, which can kill not only the prairie dogs themselves but also the other animals that rely on them. The episode interviews several ranchers who defend this practice, arguing that it is necessary to protect their livelihoods.

However, the episode also highlights the devastating impact that prairie dog poisoning has on the ecosystem. For example, black-footed ferrets, which rely almost entirely on prairie dogs for their survival, have been brought to the brink of extinction by the loss of their primary food source. The episode also explores the ways in which prairie dog poisoning can disrupt the delicate balance of the grassland ecosystem, leading to increased erosion, decreased soil quality, and the loss of biodiversity.

The episode also introduces viewers to a number of conservationists who are working to protect the prairie dog and other species that call the Great Plains home. This includes a group of scientists who are working to reintroduce black-footed ferrets to the prairie and a photographer who is documenting the beauty of the grassland in an effort to raise awareness about its importance.

Overall, "The Prairie Killers" is a thought-provoking and sobering look at the impact that human activities can have on even the most resilient of ecosystems. Through interviews with ranchers, conservationists, and scientists, the episode offers a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the complex issues surrounding prairie dog poisoning and the future of the Great Plains.