Bird Symbiosis
Where does it live?
The burrowing owl lives in intricate burrows dug by small mammals such as rabbits or prairie dogs. These burrows are located on the grasslands next to the dunefield.
How many are there?
While there isn't an exact population number for the burrowing owls living in Great Sand Dunes National Park, there are about 10,000 breeding pairs living in the general vicinity of it. The population has been declining quickly, however, and many people consider burrowing animals to be endangered.
Symbiosis
The burrowing owl has a symbiotic relationship with small mammals such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, (more commonly known as gophers), and rabbits. The small animals dig holes in the ground, and when they are done with the holes, burrowing owls inhabit them. This does not hurt or harm the prairie dogs (or gophers, or rabbits) therefore making the symbiotic relationship commensalism.