A method for capturing pygmy rabbits in summer

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Larrucea, Eveline S.; Brussard, Peter F.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Management, The Wildlife Society, Volume 71, Issue 3, p.1016–1018 (2007)

Call Number:

A07LAR02IDUS

Keywords:

Brachylagus idahoensis, pygmy rabbit

Abstract:

Degradation of sagebrush habitat and a lack of information on current status motivated a petition to list the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The petition brought on renewed interest in obtaining data on pygmy rabbits; however, pygmy rabbits are notoriously difficult to capture, especially in summer. The authors tested box-trap, net, noose-pole, and fabric-fence methods to capture pygmy rabbits in 4 areas of northern Nevada and eastern California. They captured 25 different pygmy rabbits in 30 captures from April 2005 to July 2006. The combination of camouflaged box traps baited with canned green beans was 35% more successful and required less effort per captured rabbit than any other method. Noose-pole methods were also successful. These techniques provide an efficient method of capturing pygmy rabbits in summer when many remote field sites are most accessible.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology