Species assessment for pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Wyoming

Call Number:

URL:

Keywords:

Abstract:

Keinath and McGee provide a species assessment for the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Wyoming, where the species is locally threatened in parts of its range by alteration of sagebrush steppe habitat. They describe the species’ natural history (morphology and taxonomy, habitat requirements, movement and activity patterns, reproduction and survivorship, population demographics, food habits and community ecology) and summarize conservation issues (conservation status and aspects of biological conservation such as trends, range context, intrinsic vulnerability, extrinsic threats and reasons for decline, as well as conservation actions including existing and future plans and various elements needing to be included in conservation action). Also summarized are information needs for the species. The authors conclude that, since the species is not in imminent danger of extirpation in the state, habitat preservation should be the main focus of Wyoming conservation efforts. Information needs include quantifying habitat requirements for the species and clarifying the sensitivity of pygmy rabbits to naturally occurring and introduced diseases.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology