Spatio‐Temporal Factors Shaping Diurnal Space Use by Pygmy Rabbits

Abstract

Factors influencing patterns of space use by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are poorly understood. We studied diurnal space use by adult pygmy rabbits during multiple breeding and nonbreeding seasons at 3 sites in the Lemhi Valley, Idaho, USA, during 2004–2005. Pygmy rabbits used larger areas than predicted by allometric models and documented by some previous investigations. Sex and season strongly influenced space use by rabbits. Males used larger home ranges and core areas, more burrow systems, and more widely dispersed burrow systems than did female rabbits. We also documented significant differences among study sites in many movement parameters, which suggested that local resource distribution also might influence how pygmy rabbits use space. Our results indicated that pygmy rabbits use large areas and exhibit seasonal, sex, and site‐specific variation in patterns of movement and space use. Therefore, larger areas of habitat may be needed to conserve pygmy rabbits to accommodate seasonal, regional, and potentially annual variation in resource availability and to maintain linkages among populations.

Natal Dispersal By Pygmy Rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

“…A more likely explanation is either that burrow density and saturation are poor indicators of local population density, or that other factors not examined in this study trigger dispersal in juvenile pygmy rabbits. Although studies have documented patterns of space use by adult pygmy rabbits (Burak 2006;Gahr 1993;Heady and Laundré 2005;Sanchez and Rachlow 2008;Thines et al 2004), an understanding of habitat quality remains limited for this species. Local resource quality or availability might trigger dispersal as well as settlement; however, we did not measure availability of forage or cover in natal and settlement areas.…”

“…A juvenile was considered to have dispersed if it settled farther than the diameter of an adult female home range (276 m) from the natal area. We estimated the home-range diameter using 95% minimum convex polygon home-range estimates (Home Range Tools for ArcGIS- Rodgers et al 2007) during the breeding season for 31 adult female pygmy rabbits on our study areas (Sanchez and Rachlow 2008). We then calculated the average maximum diameter across home ranges (276.3 6 37.5 m).…”

Fragmentation of sagebrush communities: does an increase in habitat edge impact pygmy rabbits?

“…Estimates of home-range size for pygmy rabbits vary from 2.8 to 12.0 ha depending on season and sex (Sanchez & Rachlow, 2008). Pygmy rabbits are known to use more than one core area within their home range; however, these leporids spend much of their time within 30-100 m of burrow systems (Katzner & Parker, 1997;Heady & Laundr´e, 2005;Crawford, 2008).…”

Spatial ecology of refuge selection by an herbivore under risk of predation

“…This does not imply exclusive use by one individual, but encompasses an area that would be available to at least one individual. Independent sampling locations were separated by .1 pygmy rabbit home range radii (;140 m; Sanchez and Rachlow 2008). To ensure the presence of exploited burrows, the sites corresponded with the use-areas of four randomlychosen pygmy rabbits that were monitored by radio telemetry for a separate study (Wilson et al 2011).…”

“…Pygmy rabbits are capable of digging their own burrows (Green and Flinders 1980a), and burrows are an important component of pygmy rabbit habitat (Green and Flinders 1980b). Additionally, pygmy rabbits are known to use more than one burrow or burrow system (Sanchez and Rachlow 2008). Further, correlation between above-ground vegetation resource depletion and time of burrow occupancy has been shown for pygmy rabbit burrow systems in Idaho, and this is hypothesized to result in burrow switching behavior (Price 2009).…”