Natal burrows and nests of free-ranging pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Western North American Naturalist, Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, Brigham Young University, Volume 65, Issue 1, p.136–139 (2005)

Call Number:

A05RAC01IDUS

URL:

https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/wnan/article/view/27811/26274

Keywords:

Brachylagus idahoensis, pygmy rabbit, SWAP

Abstract:

The authors studied pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) at 2 sites in the Lemhi valley in south-central Idaho and located 7 natal burrows representing the first documentation of natal burrows for free-ranging pygmy rabbits. This paper characterizes those burrows and nests for the species in its natural habitat. Fine grasses, shredded bark from sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), and hair were the primary components of nesting materials. Fleas and mites, both common parasites of adult and juvenile pygmy rabbits, were found in some nests. Pygmy rabbits appeared to establish natal burrows away from their residential burrow systems. Vegetation structure and composition around the natal burrows was typical for mima mounds in shrub-steppe habitats. Shrubs tend to be taller and denser on the mounds, with little or lower shrub cover in the areas between mounds. In contrast to rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus, who build nests either on the surface of the ground, in shallow depressions, or below ground surface and with the opening camouflaged with vegetation, pygmy rabbits in this study and in captivity (Oregon Zoo 2001) placed nest chambers deeper into the ground at the base of a tunnel and then back-filled the burrow entrances with soil. The authors also found that, after natal burrows had been vacated, most entrances became partially collapsed and filled with debris or soil, making them difficult to recognize as natal burrows. These conditions and an apparent isolation of natal burrows from areas of general rabbit activity have likely contributed to the lack of documentation of pygmy rabbit nests before this study.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Rachlow JL, Sanchez DM, Estes–Zumpf WA. 2005. Natal burrows and nests of free-ranging pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). [accessed 2015 Dec 22]; Western North American Naturalist. 65(1):136–139. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41717435