1. The Conservation and Captive Breeding
of Pygmy Rabbits
(Brachylagus idahoensis)
Bethany Kay

2. Hop at 15MPH

3. Why are they Endangered?
Thriving population
Columbian Basin Pygmy Rabbit population
Populations recorded

4. Why are they Endangered?
1993 data

5. Factors affecting their decline…
Habitat
The sagebrush - Artemisia tridentata

6. Factors affecting their decline…
Predators

7. Captive breeding Initiated captive breeding program in 2001
Re-released 20 rabbits back into the Basin in 2009.
none survived!

8. Captive breeding 2011 Oregon Zoo took over breeding program
Cross- bred with rabbits from Idaho
Best artificial Basin possible
Closed breeding program in Jan 2013

9. Conservation
Oregon Zoo still closely monitoring the Rabbits to ensure they survive.
Enclosed burrow areas – no predators can get in.

10. References
Discovery Channel. (2012). Pygmy Rabbit. Available: Last accessed 8th Nov 2014.
Oregon Zoo. (2012). Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits. Available: Last accessed 8th Nov 2014
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation . (2013).Pygmy Rabbits in Washington. Available: Last accessed 8th Nov 2014
Bolen, A. (2013). Return of the Mighty Pygmy Rabbit. Available: Last accessed 8th Nov 2014
Naturemapping Foundation. (2008). Pygmy Rabbit. Available: Last accessed 13th October 2014.
Green, J.S and Flinders, J.T. (1980). The habitat and Dietary relationships of the Pygmy Rabbit. Journal of Range Management. 33 (2), p
Baker, W.L. (2006). Fire and Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 34 (1), p
Fish and Wildlife Service. (2001). Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Emergency Rule To List the Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis.Available: Last accessed 8th Nov 2014.