Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Wyoming
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The pygmy rabbit is a sagebrush-obligate with specialized habitat requirements(deep soils, high cover) within landscapes. Moreover, they are sensitive to heat which is concerning given a warming climate. Finally, a recent outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2) in 2020 caused further concern. As such the pygmy rabbit is listed as an SGCN in the Wyoming SWAP and in March 2023 was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. A detailed assessment of multi-scale pygmy rabbit habitat relationships in Wyoming is lacking which could hinder habitat prioritization plans in light of the pending listing. Moreover, the relative importance of habitat elements that promote burrowing and refugia from predators versus suitable microclimates remains unclear. This project is a collaborate effort between the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Pygmy rabbit occupancy surveys will be conducted using previously developed protocols and survey grid cells. Results will be compared to surveys from past years to quantify and illustrate population trends. Results will also be incorporated into regional datasets to evaluate pygmy rabbit population status and to contribute to ESA listing determinations.