Pygmy rabbit reproduction: possible modification by drought conditions

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

The demography of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) was studied for 2 1/2 years at 2 locations within the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site in southeast Idaho. Trapping and release resulted in 724 captures of 312 rabbits. Onset of reproduction appeared to be determined by photoperiod for males and vegetation condition for females. Juveniles in 1977 were trapped at least a month earlier than in 1976. Three juvenile cohorts were recognized both years. The number of young assigned to a cohort varied between years. An atmospheric phenomenon known as stratospheric sudden warming caused a drought in 1977. The study observations suggested that sex ratio of cohorts were affected by the drought. Relatively more females were captured in the first.2 cohorts of 1977 than 1976. Mechanisms are postulated to account for the coupling of cohort parameters with future environmental conditions.

Notes:

Reference Code: A81WIL01IDUS

Full Citation: Wilde, D. B. 1981. Pygmy rabbit reproduction: possible modification by drought conditions. Pages 559-571 in K. Meyers and C. D. MacInnes, eds., Proceedings of the world lagomorph conference: held in Guelph, Ontario, August 1979. University of Guelph, Ontario.

Location: ANIMAL EF: BRACHYLAGUS IDAHOENSIS