Pygmy Rabbit
This Extinct Species Might Actually Be Resurrected!
The Pygmy Rabbit Information
The Hopeful Revival
Young Pygmy Rabbits
These are two pygmy rabbits that are being held for examination.
Eating Time
This alert rabbit was photographed just as he had raised to hear his surroundings while he ate.
Natural Habitat
This is a pygmy rabbit that was luckily photographed in its natural habitat.
The Pygmy Rabbit's Living Region
Lifespan and Threats
The Pygmy Rabbit breeding season is short compared to other rabbits. Young are raised in nests inside burrows. Pygmy rabbits appear to synchronize breeding in a given area. Breeding time is determined by female readiness, which seems to be influenced by photoperiod and the condition of local food plants. Average litter size is 6. There is a maximum of three litters in a breeding season. Pygmy rabbits are capable of reproduction in the year following their birth.
The lifespan of a Pygmy rabbit runs about 3-5 years. Pygmy rabbit lifespan is primarily limited by predation. Annual rate of adult mortality may be as high as 88%. Juvenile mortality can be 50% between birth and 5 weeks old. Beside thier natural predators they also face habitat loss and fragmentation caused by: conversion of sagebrush rangeland to agriculture, development, including oil and gas production; and wildfire frequency in some areas.