Factors Affecting the Persistence of New England Cottontail Metapopulations: The Role of Habitat Management

The distribution and abundance of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) have declined dramatically in response to land-use changes and expanding human populations. Remnant populations of cottontails are fragmented and likely to decline further unless conservation agencies intervene. We...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wildlife Society bulletin 1996-12, Vol.24 (4), p.686-693
Main Authors: Litvaitis, John A., Villafuerte, Rafael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal populations
Conservation biology
Depopulation
Forest habitats
Habitat conservation
Habitat loss
Habitats
Land use
Landscapes
Management
Metapopulation ecology
Rabbits
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife habitats
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Summary:The distribution and abundance of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) have declined dramatically in response to land-use changes and expanding human populations. Remnant populations of cottontails are fragmented and likely to decline further unless conservation agencies intervene. We used computer simulations in the context of metapopulation theory to understand the effects of environmental correlation, habitat loss, and habitat management on remaining populations of New England cottontails. Environmental correlation (based on increased vulnerability to predation during periods with snow) and habitat loss (based largely on forest maturation) can each affect the persistence of cottontail metapopulations. The synergistic effect of these 2 parameters can cause a rapid decline in rabbit populations or local extinctions. However, these effects may be countered by a management program that maintains a network of suitable habitats. Patches (15-75 ha) of early successional habitat that are maintained with a regime of periodic disturbances (burning, cutting, or mowing) may be sufficient to sustain local populations of New England cottontails. Current theory on spatially structured populations and computer simulations are useful for developing management guidelines for a species that is declining in human-altered landscapes.
ISSN:0091-7648
1938-5463