Species Recovery Projects
Pygmy Rabbits
Pygmy Rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are endemic to the Great Basin of the western United States. Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits, a genetically distinct population in eastern Washington, are listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Pygmy Rabbits are the smallest rabbits in North America; they are also the only rabbits within the United States that dig their own burrows. Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits depend on deep soil sagebrush habitat for food and for protection from predators. Their dependence on sagebrush is the main reason for their decline: much deep soil sagebrush habitat has been converted to agriculture or livestock use. Before 2001, little was known about these small rabbits, and no one had successfully bred them in captivity.
In partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, three institutions (NW Trek Wildlife Park, Oregon Zoo, and Washington State University) built off-exhibit facilities to study and breed the rabbits. Despite their name, they do not “breed like rabbits,” at least not in captivity. The project goals are to establish a sustainable captive population and to re-establish a self-sustaining population in suitable, protected habitat in eastern Washington.
