In animal news, American researchers discover that prairie dogs have a well-developed language. Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, Biology Professor Emeritus of Northern Arizona University, and students conducted field studies in which they recorded and then analyzed the prairie dogs’ verbal response to various visitors in the area. Researchers found that the perceptive animals’ communications reflected their varied observations. In terms of size and color, Dr. Slobodchikoff said, “Essentially they were saying, ‘Here comes the tall human in the blue,’ versus, ‘Here comes the short human in the yellow.’’’ In addition, the smart prairie dogs could distinguish between a triangle and circle.

Many thanks, Dr. Slobodchikoff and students, for this fascinating information. May the articulate prairie dogs thrive in safety and joy, as humans increasingly become the devoted guardians of the amazing animal kingdom.

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/20/132650631/new-language-discovered-prairiedogese http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~cns3/