COLUMBIA BASIN PYGMY RABBITS Reintroduced (Brachylagus idahoensis)
©lauredhel via Wired - (no explanation on the wacky colored ear)
Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbits are the world’s smallest and among the rarest. Pygmy Rabbits that were bred in captivity are slowing being released into the Columbia Basin region of the American northwest (primarily Washington and Oregon states) in an effort to repopulate it. In 2001, with the wild population dropping quickly, 16 of the diminutive rabbits were gathered up in an attempt to save the species.
Once in captivity, researchers discovered that inbreeding within the small community was preventing the pygmy rabbits from re-establishing themselves. Fortunately, a thriving community of similar rabbits existed in Idaho. Though fossil evidence showed that the two groups were separated for over 10,000 years and had become genetically distinct, interbreeding was still possible.
With a genetic refresher, rabbits of 75% Columbia Basin and 25% Idaho descent are now being put back in the wild as part of a “soft release” program. A 2007 reintroduction program that simply let the rabbits loose led to most of them being killed off by predators. The soft release will keep the rabbits in outdoor enclosures safe from predators and allow them to learn vital survival skills. Over time, the wild-born offspring will be released to establish their own populations.
Fact Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Basin_Pygmy_Rabbit
http://www.geekosystem.com/pygmy-rabbits/Other photos you may enjoy: