Pygmy Rabbit DNA Survey Marker: Implementation of surveys using molecular identification of fecal pellets

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The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) occurs across the interior western USA in association with big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). Populations are distributed on the landscape in habitat having particular structural and edaphic characteristics. Suitable habitat is characterized by tall and dense stands of sagebrush and typically has relatively deep soil necessary for the burrows pygmy rabbits construct. Occupied areas are typically irregularly distributed, small patches on the landscape (Larrucea and Brussard 2008). Pellet surveys were completed for identification of pygmy rabbit populations for population analysis. The intended use of this projects in to improve the efficiency and utility of surveys for pygmy rabbits in Idaho. Molecular identification was used to accurately estimate the proportion of habitat occupied. The purpose of the
study was to design survey protocols and implement a survey to evaluate the proportion of habitat occupied by pygmy rabbit, providing information regarding the current distribution of populations, as well as forming a basis for future assessment of trend in terms of occupancy

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Shelf Note: Electronic Files--ZOOLOGY: Mammals: U13IFG03IDUS

William Bosworth
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, ID, 83707
Final Report
December 2013
Submitted to Idaho State Office, Bureau of Land Management
Contract # L08AC14334, Amendment 1