Vegetative Analysis of Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) Habitat
Faculty Mentor Information
4 Lisette Waits
Abstract
Loss and fragmentation of native shrub-steppe habitat has led to the decline and extirpation of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit (CBPR) in Washington state. In 2001, the last remaining 16 CBPR were removed from the wild to begin a captive breeding program. In 2011, the program transitioned to an onsite breeding program with the goal of reestablishing wild populations within central Washington. Since 2011, 1947 rabbits have been released onto Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area (SBF). Winter monitoring surveys are used to determine the number of active burrows and individuals in the wild. Since 2015, ~75% of active burrows are no longer found on SBF, but have transitioned to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. The objective of this study is to identify factors that may have led to the transition of active burrows from SBF to CRP land. Line transects and 1m plot boxes are used to determine canopy cover, plant species diversity, and coverage of various plant classes. In addition, surveys are also being performed to evaluate terrestrial and aerial predator concealment. Data will be analyzed to help determine optimal habitat for future pygmy rabbit release sites, and to aid wildlife managers in selecting future release sites for this endangered species.
Vegetative Analysis of Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) Habitat
Loss and fragmentation of native shrub-steppe habitat has led to the decline and extirpation of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit (CBPR) in Washington state. In 2001, the last remaining 16 CBPR were removed from the wild to begin a captive breeding program. In 2011, the program transitioned to an onsite breeding program with the goal of reestablishing wild populations within central Washington. Since 2011, 1947 rabbits have been released onto Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area (SBF). Winter monitoring surveys are used to determine the number of active burrows and individuals in the wild. Since 2015, ~75% of active burrows are no longer found on SBF, but have transitioned to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. The objective of this study is to identify factors that may have led to the transition of active burrows from SBF to CRP land. Line transects and 1m plot boxes are used to determine canopy cover, plant species diversity, and coverage of various plant classes. In addition, surveys are also being performed to evaluate terrestrial and aerial predator concealment. Data will be analyzed to help determine optimal habitat for future pygmy rabbit release sites, and to aid wildlife managers in selecting future release sites for this endangered species.