Black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) densities were greater on fair condition range compared to good condition range. In the past, the fair condition range had been heavily grazed, which left more shrub canopy cover compared to the good condition range, which was moderately grazed. The jackrabbits in this study preferred foraging on shrubs and were most commonly found in grass-shrub communities. This ecotone provided the jackrabbits with both protective cover and diverse forage. Daniel et al. suggest sustaining good to excellent ecological range conditions in order to reduce jackrabbit abundance. This can be achieved by stocking livestock in such a way that they remove about one third of the current year's growth of key forage species.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.