Conservation organizations submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today requesting protection of pygmy rabbits under the Endangered Species Act.
The rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) depend on the sagebrush steppe ecosystems of the Sagebrush Sea for their survival and are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss and disease. They’ve lost considerable habitat to development, extraction, invasive nonnative grasses, and wildfire.
“Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, pygmy rabbits are one of the most endearing and charismatic creatures of the Sagebrush Sea, but unfortunately they are also one of the most at risk of extinction,” said Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project. “Our petition demonstrates the serious threats the species is facing throughout its range, and it needs federal protection to ensure its survival into the future.”
Petition Seeks to Protect Pygmy Rabbits Under Endangered Species Act
The rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) depend on the sagebrush steppe ecosystems of the Sagebrush Sea for their survival and are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss and disease. They’ve lost considerable habitat to development, extraction, invasive nonnative grasses, and wildfire.
“Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, pygmy rabbits are one of the most endearing and charismatic creatures of the Sagebrush Sea, but unfortunately they are also one of the most at risk of extinction,” said Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project. “Our petition demonstrates the serious threats the species is facing throughout its range, and it needs federal protection to ensure its survival into the future.”
Petition Seeks to Protect Pygmy Rabbits Under Endangered Species Act