Keywords

habitat fragmentation, occupancy model, sagebrush steppe, sylvilagus idahoensis

Abstract

The pygmy rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) is a species of conservation concern that has declined due to fragmentation and loss of essential habitat, primarily sagebrush-steppe. Pygmy rabbits are currently under review for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and consequently require a clearer understanding of current distribution and patterns of occurrence in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) habitats. From 2024 to 2025, we surveyed for pygmy rabbits using remote cameras at several historically occupied sites in Utah, USA, to understand patterns of activity and occupancy. We also compared current estimates of occupancy to historical data collected approximately 20 years ago. Preliminary results from the first two years of data collection indicate that pygmy rabbit occupancy has decreased in southern study areas but remained stable in northern locations, suggesting that other factors influenced the observed patterns. Occupancy did not differ between restored and unrestored habitats. Our data suggest a change in occurrence over time and that restoration efforts did not affect pygmy rabbit activity or occupancy. We also found evidence that supports a change in occupancy across latitudinal and elevational gradients, with no change at northern latitudes. These findings highlight the urgency for pygmy rabbit monitoring to assess ecological trends and inform conservation actions.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-13

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

University Standing at Time of Publication

Graduate Student

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