Date of Award
Summer 7-10-1973
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Renewable Natural Resources
First Advisor
Newsom, John D.
Second Advisor
Glasgow, Leslie L.
Third Advisor
Palmisano, A. W.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the home range and habitat preferences of swamp rabbits in the intermediate (between brackish and fresh) marsh of southwestern Louisiana. A total of 12 instrumented rabbits provided data for home range estimates. Four rabbits were fol lowed during the falI, winter and spring. Average home range for males was 10.60 acres and 5.14 acres for females on an area which had a population density of 7.74 rabbits per acre The most preferred habitat components were wiregrass with baccharis Iess than four feet taII IightIy interspersed. Baccharis over four feet tall with moderately in interspersed wireqrass was second, with roseau cane and baccharls over four foot talI lightly interspersed with wire grass third. Solid wiregrass stands were the least preferred habitat type Weights of 21 adult males averaged 1831 grams, 27 adult females averaged 1965 grams, 9 immature females averaged 1472 grams and immature males averaged 1601 grams. Swamp rabbits were generally crepuscular.
Recommended Citation
Gould, Arthur Benjamin Jr., "The Home Range and Habitat Preferences of Swamp Rabbits Along a Shell Road in the Intermediate Marsh of Southwestern Louisiana" (1973). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 8242.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/8242
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.8242