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1 July 2008 Diurnal Habitat Use by Lower Keys Marsh Rabbits
Craig A. Faulhaber, Nova J. Silvy, Roel R. Lopez, David H. Lafever, Philip A. Frank, Markus J. Peterson
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Abstract

We used radiotelemetry to locate daytime forms of endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbits (LKMRs; Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) throughout their range so we could determine habitat characteristics of diurnal cover. We typically found forms (n = 1,298) of 36 rabbits in brackish wetlands in patches of saltmarsh or buttonwoods. In freshwater wetlands, forms (n = 54) were located most often in patches of freshwater hardwoods embedded in or adjacent to freshwater marshes. Forms (n = 942) in brackish wetlands were characterized by thick groundcover (>75%), whereas those (n = 42) in freshwater wetlands had both thick groundcover and canopy vegetation. The mean minimum convex polygon around forms of 15 rabbits was 1.4 ha (SD = 1.7), with smaller ranges characterized by thick bunchgrasses or clump-forming sedges. To increase the amount of annual space usable by LKMRs, managers should provide more saltmarsh habitat interspersed with buttonwoods and enhance ground cover in existing habitat.

Craig A. Faulhaber, Nova J. Silvy, Roel R. Lopez, David H. Lafever, Philip A. Frank, and Markus J. Peterson "Diurnal Habitat Use by Lower Keys Marsh Rabbits," Journal of Wildlife Management 72(5), 1161-1167, (1 July 2008). https://doi.org/10.2193/2006-028
Published: 1 July 2008
JOURNAL ARTICLE
7 PAGES

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KEYWORDS
Florida Keys
forms
habitat use
lagomorphs
Lower Keys marsh rabbit
macrohabitat
microhabitat
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