The decline of the white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii): carbohydrate and soil texture analysis
Journal Title: European Journal of Biological Research - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
A decline of the white-tailed jackrabbit, (Lepus townsendii), has been occurring throughout the species natural range. This has provoked the need for research and a greater understanding of the reasons behind the decline. Literature suggests that the white-tailed jackrabbit forage quality may not be sufficient, which is important for pre-natal nutrition and further, that the metabolism of the jackrabbit is higher in the winter; however, the amount of carbohydrates available to jackrabbits has not been investigated. Prairie grasses and soils from white-tailed jackrabbit inhabited areas in central and western South Dakota, were sampled from three counties from the fall of 2013 until the spring of 2015. The results of this study suggest that the carbohydrate concentration (glucose and fructose) of grasses are low during the fall and winter when pre-natal nutrition for the first litter is important and the concentrations of glucose, fructose, and soil texture between all three counties were significant (p<0.001). Jackrabbits were also found in areas with a higher clay concentration for soils. Jackrabbit biochemical studies coupled with physiological research is needed to help portray a better understanding of white-tailed jackrabbit population health.
Authors and Affiliations
Kelsey Gilcrease, Kayla Inman, Ashley Preston, Gary Bolinger
Keywords
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