Behavioral audiograms were determined for four black-tailed and one wh
ite-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus and C. leucurus) using a
conditioned avoidance procedure. The hearing of black-tailed prairie
dogs ranges from 29 Hz to 26 kHz and that of the white-tailed prairie
dog from 44 Hz to 26 kHz (at sound pressure levels of 60 dB). Both spe
cies have good low-frequency hearing, especially black-tailed prairie
dogs which can hear as low as 4 Hz and are more sensitive than any oth
er rodent yet tested at frequencies below 63 Hz. In contrast, prairie
dogs are relatively insensitive in their midrange and have poor high-f
requency hearing. It is suggested that the reduced midrange sensitivit
y and high-frequency hearing are related to their adaptation to an und
erground lifestyle with its reduced selective pressure for sound local
ization. In this respect they appear to be intermediate between the mo
re exclusively subterranean rodents (such as gophers and mole rats) an
d surface dwellers (such as chinchillas and kangaroo rats).