Jackrabbit densities on fair and good condition Chihuahuan Desert range
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Authors: A. Daniel, J. Holechek, R. Valdez, A. Tembo, L. Saiwana, M. Fusco, and M. Cardenas
Date: 1993
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 46
Number: 6
Pages: 524-528
Summary of Methods: The effect of range condition (good and fair) on black-tailed jackrabbit populations was evaluated over 2 ½ years on the Chihuahuan desert rangelands of southcentral New Mexico. The two adjacent sites were grazed at conservative levels with one at 48 ha and 67 ha per animal unit. Individual jackrabbit numbers were recorded monthly. Range condition was measured by percent vegetation cover and height, seven times over the course of the study.
Article Summary / Main Points: Areas with a grass-shrub mix had considerably higher densities of jackrabbits than either grass or shrub dominated landscapes. Jackrabbit densities were greater on fair condition range than good condition range. It is believed that fair condition range had higher jackrabbit densities due to greater shrub canopy cover, which provided more cover from predators. The shrubby, fair condition range also provided a higher variety of food sources compared to a more grass dominated good condition range. Livestock grazing at conservative levels did not affect jackrabbit populations.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: 42 Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Shrubs Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: rangeland, wildlife, grazing, rabbits, arid lands
Annotation: The results of this study are applicable to desert rangeland situations where jackrabbit populations are a management concern. This study provides ideas on how to influence jackrabbit populations by altering habitat structure. Research into the effects of various grazing intensities, range conditions and range types on jackrabbit populations would be useful. Maintaining good condition range is key to lowering jackrabbit densities, while also providing good range conditions for livestock grazing. Additionally, Daniel et al. (1993) examined dietary overlap of cattle and jackrabbits on the same study sites; also summarized in the RSIS website.
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