Surveying for pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

This report was written for biologists who will survey for pygmy rabbits. Its purpose is to help biologists find pygmy rabbits by using a standardized, but flexible and realistic, approach. The information within is a collation of field knowledge gained by biologists who have surveyed for pygmy rabbits in Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, and California. The report describes pygmy rabbit habitat, how to recognize and evaluate rabbit sign, an approach for organizing and conducting broad-scale surveys, and how to record data. It includes photos of habitat and burrows, as well as discussion of some other survey techniques. A work in progress, this report may be modified as biologists learn more about pygmy rabbit sign, the variety of habitats used by pygmy rabbits, and surveying for these rabbits. The goal of the broad-scale survey described is primarily to find populations of the rabbit. However, by conducting surveys and recording data in the manner described, a survey can simultaneously obtain locations, a measure of burrow density, and “occupancy status,” all of which can provide a baseline index for population monitoring and a way to coarsely compare different areas. These surveys will document not only where the rabbits are but also where they are not, which is useful information for biologists refining habitat models and for land managers. The report authors recommend that biologists surveying or studying pygmy rabbits across the range of the species use the included form to gather the basic population data identified, although they may add or delete other data to suit their specific needs. Using this form will make it easier to compare population indices across the West and the years.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology