Population Density and Reproduction in Penned Cottontail Rabbits

A total of 134 eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) were used in three experiments to determine the effect of population density on reproductive and other selected characteristics. Rabbits were penned in 1.21-decare (0.3-acre) enclosures at densities approximating either 8 or 24 animal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of wildlife management 1974-07, Vol.38 (3), p.482-487
Main Authors: Kirkpatrick, Roy L., Baldwin, David M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal reproduction
Body weight
Carcass weight
Female animals
Fetus
Ovulation
Population density
Rabbits
Reproduction
Wild animals
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Summary:A total of 134 eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) were used in three experiments to determine the effect of population density on reproductive and other selected characteristics. Rabbits were penned in 1.21-decare (0.3-acre) enclosures at densities approximating either 8 or 24 animals per decare for minimum periods of 27, 71, or 87 days. Recovery of animals from the pens tended to be greater for the high density groups. Females mated and conceived in a highly synchronized manner in each experiment. No consistent effects of density on reproductive characteristics or endocrine organ weights were found, although there was a slight trend toward fewer live fetuses in late pregnancy in the high density females in the two longer term experiments.
ISSN:0022-541X
1937-2817
DOI:10.2307/3800879