Prairie Dogs, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

In the Badlands, South Dakota, United States, black-tailed prairie dogs live in veritable underground "villages" that stretch for miles. These small rodents are much more than adorable meadow dwellers—they are keystone species in the ecosystem. By digging their burrows, they aerate the soil and create spaces where diverse plants grow, benefiting other animals and vegetation.

Prairie dogs live in organized colonies, with resting areas, escape tunnels, and lookout points to watch for predators. They communicate with screeches and whistles, warning of dangers such as coyotes or eagles. Sometimes they stand on their hind legs and scan the horizon, an image that has become iconic of the park.

Interestingly, although they were once considered pests, their ecological importance is now recognized. Roberts Prairie Dog Town, where this photo was captured, is the largest accessible colony in the park and is home to nearly 200 species of plants and animals thanks to the activity of these ingenious rodents. Observing them is a unique opportunity to see how a small animal can sustain an entire living prairie.