Habitat and dietary relationships of the pygmy rabbit.

摘要: Vegetal habitat characteristics and annual dietary selection were examined for the pygmy rabbit in southeastern Idaho. Areas selected habitation by rabbits had a significantly greater woody cover height than other areas. Total grass-forb biomass was similar nonrabbit sites. Grass least forb greatest where most abundant. Sagebrush eaten throughout year, although lesser amounts summer (51%) winter (99%0). Grasses forbs through (39 10%, respectively) decreased diet fall to winter. is critical both food cover, this study, of vegetation appeared be features for. This fact should considered before brush removal treatments are applied within range. Wildlife research has been termed "cornerstone management" (Reynolds 1974) but often poorly accomplished or entirely neglected. Manipulation common, undertaken with an understanding resident wildlife species' requirements space. Throughout western United States, there historical present day practice removing sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) spraying, mechanical treatment, burning increase forage production. Only Green at time associate, Botany Range Science Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. Current address is: U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho 83423. Flinders associate professor, director Resources Graduate Program, 407 WIDB, The efforts Jeff Johansen Forrest Luke, Laboratory Assistants, reading preparing slides appreciated. work supported USDA Western Kegion Federal Cooperative Agreement No. 12-14-5001-264. Manuscript received December 22, 1978. recently impact activity on then only few species (Powell 1969; Braun et al. 1977; Renwald 1977). Additional information required can altered range improvement knowledge possible impacts populations.