Use of population viability analysis to evaluate management options for the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit
Article Abstract:
The risk of extinction of the Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) was investigated using population viability analysis. Parameters were estimated via radiotelemetry, livetrapping and fecal-pellet counting during a 2.5 year-study period. A simulation modeling tool called VORTEX was used to evaluate management options for the endangered rabbit. Findings show that there is a 100% chance for the entire rabbit populations to go extinct, with the metapopulation having many small patches more likely to go extinct than the metapopulation with fewer, larger patches. It was suggested that increasing the survival rate of the rabbits in several age and sex classes by eliminating predation by domestic cats would reduce the risk of extinction of the animals.
Publication Name: The Journal of Wildlife Management
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0022-541X
Year: 1999
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Use of population viability analysis to evaluate management options for the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit
Article Abstract:
Population viability analysis has been used to assess the extinction probability of the Lower Keys marsh rabbit, a federally endangered lagomorph found in the Lower Keys of Florida. It was possible to determine the mortality rate and variation in this rate for marsh rabbits through their sex and developmental stage. It was found that the marsh rabbit has a polygynous breeding system. Some males overlapped with more females than other males, but all males overlapped with at least one female at some time, showing that all males were in the breeding pool. It appears that survival rates must be increased if the marsh rabbit is to avoid extinction.
Publication Name: The Journal of Wildlife Management
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0022-541X
Year: 1999
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Comparison of 2 methods to estimate density of an endangered lagomorph
Article Abstract:
Pellet counting is often used as a tool to estimate wild mammal numbers, particularly ungulates and lagomorphs. A study comparing the efficacy of pellet-counting and livetrapping as a means to estimate the abundance of the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit in the Lower Keys area of Florida is presented. Density estimates from the two methods were compared with a separate estimation using radiotagging. Livetrapping was found to be more accurate, but pellet counting was found to be better-suited for long-term population observations.
Publication Name: The Journal of Wildlife Management
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0022-541X
Year: 1997
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