At first glance, the grasslands may appear desolate and without wildlife. Upon closer inspection, however, over 100 species of animals can be found on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Nature has adapted these animals to life on the grassland. Each animal has the right coloration and behavior patterns to survive in one or more of the habitats found here. The habitats found on the grassland include tall grass prairie, mixed grass prairie, short grass prairie, woody draws, juniper breaks, wetlands, rivers and ponds, and badlands formations. Several species also rely on the abandoned structures from the Homestead Era that remain on the grassland.
Tall Grass Prairie
Many people visiting the Buffalo Gap National Grassland for the first time are expecting to see tall grass prairie, with grasses four to eight feet tall. However, this area of the Great Plains does not receive enough moisture, nor are the soil conditions right, to support a wide expanse of tall grasses. Small areas of tall grass prairie do exist on the Buffalo Gap, and can be found in the wet areas. Tall grass prairie provides excellent food and cover for wildlife. Some of the species found here include the prairie vole, pale milk snake, and least shrew.
Mixed Grass Prairie
The most predominant habitat on the Buffalo Gap is mixed grass prairie. This area is a combination of plant species from both the tall grass and short grass prairies. Some animals found here include pronghorn, Ord's kangaroo rat, black-tailed prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. The pronghorn is the fastest animal in North America, having been clocked at 70 mph. Speed, is important for grassland animals trying to escape predators, as there are very few places to hide.
The Ord's kangaroo rat seeks out areas of the mixed grass prairie with sandy soils in which to burrow. Prairie dog towns are another important area of the mixed grass prairie sought out by several species of animals. Black-footed ferrets, an endangered species, prey on black-tailed prairie dogs as well as find shelter in their burrows. Coyotes, badgers, and many of the smaller rodents also occur here.
Short Grass Prairie
Short grass prairie occurs mostly in the southwest part of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. The predominant grasses are sod-forming grasses that mimic the look of a mowed lawn. This area is home to the black-tailed jackrabbit, Northern pocket gopher, and many lizards. Sagebrush found here also attracts pronghorn during the winter months.
Woody Draws & Juniper Breaks
Woody draws are the areas along drainages where deciduous trees, like cottonwoods, can find enough moisture to survive on the grassland. These areas provide important protection from both extreme hot and cold temperatures. Some animals, like the white-footed mouse, porcupine, and whitetailed deer, live year-round in these draws. Other animals, coyote, red fox, and migrating birds, for example, use these areas in addition to other habitats. Juniper breaks function in a similar way, and are found along the rivers. These are larger areas than woody draws, and are hilly. The trees in these areas are mostly evergreen/coniferous trees like Rocky Mountain juniper and Eastern red cedar. Many of the animals found in woody draws are also found in the juniper breaks.
Wetlands & Rivers
Wetlands on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland are mostly man-made impoundments built to hold water for livestock, and to provide habitat for the species that frequent them. Closed depressions, a natural wetland, are also very important areas teeming with life. Most of the amphibians and reptiles on the Grasslands can be found here, as well as mink, muskrat, little brown myotis, and other rodents. Fish can be found in ponds, rivers, and streams on the grassland.
Badlands Formations
Badlands formations, highly eroded clay outcrops that give Badlands National Park its name, can be found scattered throughout most of the Grasslands. These areas may appear to be a wasteland at first glance. However, many animals are associated with these formations. Some bats make their homes here, either year-round or during migrations, and use the crevices as nurseries for their young as well. Several species of rodents also use the holes in the formations as homes. Bighorn sheep can be found climbing around on the badlands as well as feeding on plants associated with the formations.
Human Influence
Humans have influenced the grasslands and the animals that live there. Adjacent croplands and shelterbelts provide more food and shelter for animals in the winter. The fox squirrel was able to expand its range due to the addition of shelterbelts and the suppression of fire. The structures people have built attract many animals and may also have aided in the expansion of the ranges of some animals, like the opossum. Raccoons, skunks, bats, and many rodents benefit from and use structures quite often, especially if they are abandoned.
Humans have also influenced the types of species found on the grasslands by introducing animals from other parts of the world. The house mouse and Norway rat are two such species that also are associated with structures.
Sometimes people's influence on animals must be countered with additional intervention. For instance, the removal of many of the large predators has resulted in an increase in many of the large herbivorous mammals. As a result, hunting seasons were established for deer and other animals. Ideally, a proper balance is attained between meeting the needs of humans and wildlife.
Viewing Opportunities
Wildlife watching is an enjoyable pastime that will continue to be available on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands for everyone to experience. Large mammals, such as mule deer and pronghorn, can usually be viewed from your vehicle as you tour the National Grasslands. There are also several prairie dog towns that are easily accessed by main roads. Several areas for viewing birds, both waterfowl and song birds, are within driving distance of Wall, Kadoka, Rapid City, and Hot Springs, SD.
A separate list of birds found on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland is available at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall. Maps of fishing spots, as well as maps of the National Grasslands and field guides for identifying the wildlife you encounter, are also available at the Visitor Center. Visitor Center staff can direct you to these and other areas where you may view the animals that interest you.
