Progress 11/01/02 to 10/31/05
Outputs
Several research projects on the reproductive behavior and survival of Idaho and Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits have been recently completed in this research program (Elias 2004; Thines et al. 2004; Westra 2004). The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is one of the smallest lagomorphs in the world (typically <450g) and is indigenous to arid sagebrush lands throughout the western United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has declared the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit to be an endangered population segment requiring coordinated federal and state research and planning to restore viable populations in the shrub-steppe of central Washington. About 5 scientific papers from this work currently are in the process of being published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and more than 8 presentations have been given at a variety of scientific conferences and workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere . In addition, the author and several other
collaborators have been appointed to the pygmy rabbit recovery team for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will submit a formal recovery plan for agency and public review and approval in 2006. Another research subproject on seasonal and landscape patch dynamics of montane voles in no-till agricultural landscapes has also been completed (Capelli 2005). In this study, we conducted an investigation of the landscape ecology of rodents on the Palouse Conservation Field Station outside of Pullman. Our results suggest that several basic ecological variables can be used to predict locations where rodent damage may be higher in no-till cropping systems. In addition to the four to five scientific papers being produced from the pygmy rabbit project, two additional scientific publications will result from the work on rodent landscape dynamics (Capelli 2005). Yet another subproject has also been completed on a systems-dynamic population model of loggerhead shrikes (Bowers 2005), another
species of conservation concern, which will result in another scientific publication.
Impacts
This project has resulted in a series of graduate student theses and scientific reports that are being used to recover and restore an endangered species, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. The research project is also the foundation for developing a formal recovery plan for pygmy rabbits by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A large number of scientific publications and technical reports are being generated from the results of this project, which will make significant contributions to our understanding of how to conserve biological diversity and restore ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere.
Publications
- Elias, B. A. 2004. Behavior, reproduction, and survival in captive Columbia Basin and Idaho pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). M.S. thesis, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
- Thines, N. J., L. A. Shipley, and R. D. Sayler 2004. Effects of cattle grazing on ecology and habitat of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). Biological Conservation 119: 525-534.
- Westra, R. D. 2004. Behavior and survival of reintroduced Idaho pygmy rabbits. M.S. thesis, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
- Bowers, H. 2005. An evaluation of a population dynamics model for the loggerhead shrike population at the Hanford Site in south-central Washington. M.S. thesis, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
- Capelli, J. L. 2005. Landscape ecology of rodents in a no-till agricultural systems. M.S. thesis, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This project conducts research in the area of conservation science and evaluates ecological restoration techniques in three primary subject areas: 1) restoration of degraded or endangered ecosystems (e.g., Palouse Prairie and sagebrush (shrub-steppe) ecosystems, 2) conservation biology of native wildlife species within these regional ecosystems (e.g., pygmy rabbit, sharp-tailed grouse), and 3) evaluation and development of sustainable land management practices through the study of landscape ecology (e.g., land conservation and wildlife ecology in experimental, sustainable agricultural and natural ecosystems). The primary goals of this project are to improve the scientific understanding of ecological systems in the Pacific Northwest and to provide a basis, through basic research and directed educational initiatives, for the conservation of biological diversity and the development of sustainable land use systems. In 2004, we studied the effects of inbreeding depression
and the potential benefits of genetic introgression in the endangered Columbia Basin (CB) pygmy rabbit (Brachylagous idahoensis). We determined that CB pygmy rabbits demonstrated inbreeding depression through lower reproductive performance of both males and females. CB rabbits took longer to mate, had fewer pregnancies, and produced fewer kits (young rabbits) than either pure bred Idaho or hybrid (CB x Idaho crosses). The demonstration of heterosis (hybrid vigor), combined with poor survival in the captive population suggests that genetic introgression may be needed to achieve genetic restoration of CB pygmy rabbits to support reintroduction programs designed to restore these endangered rabbits back in the shrub-steppe ecosystem of Washington. Restoration of endangered Palouse Prairie was studied in 2004, in part, by operating the Native Plant & Landscape Restoration Nursery which "helps conserve the biological diversity of endangered Palouse Prairie and western native plants,
supports the ecological restoration of sustainable landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, and develops botanical gardens for teaching, research, and public enjoyment." Native plant materials were produced for wet meadow restoration and restoration of Palouse Prairie (see web site: http://www.campusecology.wsu.edu/nativeplantnursery/) and several associated studies of plant and insect ecology. A draft reintroduction plan was written for the feasibility of eventually reestablishing the pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) back into arid rangelands of Washington State. A feasibility study for reintroducing pronghorn antelope onto lands of the Colville Confederate Tribes was completed in 2004 and the final report will be published in 2005. A study of the population and landscape dynamics of rodents in no-till agricultural systems in eastern Washington was also completed. Studies at the Palouse Conservation Field Station outside of Pullman, Washington, were conducted to determine the
landscape, habitat, and soil dynamics that influence rodent populations and crop damage in experimental no-till fields. Fieldwork was completed in fall, 2004, and a final report will be issued in 2005.
Impacts
This project has resulted in several significant impacts in 2004, including: 1) operation and expansion of the Native Plant & Landscape Restoration Nursery, 2) operation of the Campus & Community Ecology Project (see: www.campusecology.wsu.edu) with the participation of over 150 students in educational and research activities, 3) ongoing scientific consultation and involvement of 3 WSU faculty (Drs. R. Sayler; L. Shipley, and L. Hardesty) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service endangered species recovery team for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. 4) publishing of one scientific paper the journal Biological Conservation, completion of several manuscripts and project reports, and three conference presentations.
Publications
- Thines, N. J. S., L. A. Shipley, and R. D. Sayler. 2004. Effects of cattle grazing on ecology and habitat of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). Biological Conservation 119:525-534.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
In 2003, this project involved efforts to develop and implement appropriate ecological restoration techniques in three primary areas: 1) restoration of degraded or endangered ecosystems (e.g., Palouse Prairie and sagebrush (shrub-steppe) ecosystems, 2) conservation biology of native wildlife species within these regional ecosystems (e.g., pygmy rabbit, sharp-tailed grouse), and 3) evaluation and development of sustainable land management practices through the study of landscape ecology (e.g., land conservation and wildlife ecology in experimental, sustainable agricultural and natural ecosystems). The primary goals of this project are to improve the scientific understanding of ecological systems in the Pacific Northwest and to provide a basis, through basic research and directed educational initiatives, for the conservation of biological diversity and the development of sustainable land use systems. We successfully developed and tested techniques for reintroducing
endangered pygmy rabbits (Idahoensis brachylagus) by raising and releasing Idaho pygmy rabbits in southeastern Idaho as a surrogate for the endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. We released 27 radio-collared pygmy rabbits and documented their behavior, habitat use, and survival after release. We determined that captive-reared and released rabbits would: a) use artificial burrows provided as initial protection from predators, b) disperse short distances and dig their own burrows within a few months of release, c) begin feeding on natural forage shortly after release, and d)reproduce and produce young the first spring after release. Survival varied by season of release and was higher for animals released later in the fall when predator populations (especially raptors) were lower. Restoration of endangered Palouse Prairie was advanced in 2003 by the creation of the Native Plant & Landscape Restoration Nursery which "helps conserve the biological diversity of endangered Palouse Prairie
and western native plants, supports the ecological restoration of sustainable landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, and develops botanical gardens for teaching, research, and public enjoyment." Significant efforts began to develop plant materials needed for wet meadow restoration. (see web site: http://www.campusecology.wsu.edu/nativeplantnursery/). New restoration efforts were begun evaluate the feasibility of eventually reestablishing the pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) back into arid rangelands of Washington State. A feasibility study for reintroducing pronghorn antelope onto lands of the Colville Confederate Tribes was started in 2003 and will be completed in 2004. Additional sustainability studies were conducted by exploring the population and landscape dynamics of rodents in no-till agricultural systems in eastern Washington. Studies at the Palouse Conservation Field Station outside of Pullman, Washington, are determining the landscape, habitat, and soil dynamics that
influence rodent populations and crop damage in experimental no-till fields. Fieldwork will be completed in fall, 2004, on this study.
Impacts
This project has resulted in several significant impacts in 2003, including: 1) establishment of the Native Plant & Landscape Restoration Nursery. 2) creation of the Campus & Community Ecology Project (see: www.campusecology.wsu.edu) with the participation of over 150 students in educational and research activities. 3) appointment of 3 WSU faculty (Drs. R. Sayler; L. Shipley, and L. Hardesty) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service endangered species recovery team for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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