IUCN SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group

2019 Report

Andrew Smith Hayley Lanier

Co-Chairs Mission statement Targets for the 2017-2020 quadrennium

Andrew Smith (1) To promote the conservation and effective Assess (2) Hayley Lanier sustainable management of all species of Red List: (1) improve knowledge and assess- lagomorph through science, education and ment of lagomorph systematics, (2) complete Red List Authority Coordinator advocacy. all Red List reassessments of all lagomorph Andrew Smith (1) species. Projected impact for the 2017-2020 Research activities: (1) improve knowledge of Location/Affiliation quadrennium Brachylagus idahoensis (Pygmy ); (2) (1) School of Life Sciences, Arizona State The Lagomorph Specialist Group (LSG) is examine population trends of all lagomorphs University, Tempe, Arizona, US “middle-sized” – not a single species, nor in the western United States; (3) improve (2) Sam Noble Museum, University of Oklahoma, composed of hundreds of species. We have knowledge of Lepus callotis (White-sided Norman, Oklahoma, US slightly less than 100 species in our brief. Jackrabbit); (4) improve knowledge of Lepus However, these are distributed around the fagani (Ethiopian ), L. habessinicus Number of members globe, and there are few similarities among any (Abyssinian Hare), and L. starcki (Ethiopian 73 of our many forms that are Red List classified Highland Hare) in Ethiopia; (5) improve as Threatened. Thus, we do not have a single knowledge of Lepus flavigularis (Tehuantepec Social networks programme or a single thrust; there is no Jackrabbit); (6) improve knowledge of all Website: www.lagomorphspecialistgroup.org one-size-fits-all to our approach. LSG members Chinese Lepus; (7) improve knowledge of largely work independently in their region, and Nesolagus netscheri (Sumatran Striped the Co-Chairs serve more as a nerve centre. Rabbit); (8) improve knowledge of Nesolagus This has always had to be our approach; the timminsi (Annamite Striped Rabbit); (9) improve broad geographic reach of our members and knowledge of Ochotona iliensis (Ili ); (10) the cost that would be involved in attempting improve surveys of poorly-studied Ochotona to meet as a body of the whole essentially in China; (11) understand the role of climate prohibit planning such a meeting. We judge change in the determination of Ochotona our success based on the terrific work done princeps (American Pika) populations; by our members in their respective regions, (12) understand how climate change and and as this summary of our activities shows, reduced snow cover may affect populations this body of work is encouraging. What we are of Lepus americanus (Snowshoe Hare); (13) all doing collectively is to make Lagomorph a try to find anyone to study the Pronolagus known entity, and to ensure that lagomorph species in Africa; (14) improve understanding diversity worldwide is maintained by minimising of Romerolagus diazi (); (15) extinction risk, addressing climate change, improve understanding of lesser-known working with local communities, stopping species of Sylvilagus in North America and horrific poisoning campaigns, etc. South America; (16) increase knowledge of lagomorphs via publication of peer-reviewed publications (as indicated via The Web of Science); (17) improve knowledge of Sylvilagus insonus (Omiltemi Rabbit). Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Lepus californicus, in Rancho Experimental La Campana INIFAP, , México Photo: Jose A. Pérez-López

L-R: Liesl Eichenberger (Sanbona Nature Reserve), Sue Milton (Renu Karoo), Bonnie Schumann and Gina Yang (Renu Karoo) during the characterisation of the southern and eastern populations Photo: Endangered Wildlife Trust

Plan Activities and results 2019

Planning: update the Lagomorph Action Plan Assess with production of a book highlighting over- Red List arching aspects of lagomorph biology and i. A workshop on knowledge and assessment a comprehensive account with maps of all A ‘bunny crossing’ sign in the Witteberg Nature of lagomorph systematics is included as part of lagomorph species, to be published by Johns Reserve warns motorists to slow down to the 6th World Lagomorph Conference, sched- preserve the Critically Endangered Riverine Hopkins University Press. uled for July 2020. Several taxonomic experts Rabbit, Bunolagus monticularis, in South Africa. Act The EWT-DCP recorded on the Witteberg have been approached to form a Lagomorph Nature Reserve for the first time in 2019 using Conservation actions: (1) reintroduction of working group which will focus on camera traps. The reserve is the second formally Brachylagus idahoensis into the Columbia evaluating the evidence for and conservation protected area (contractual Nature Reserve) in Basin, Washington; (2) improve knowledge the Karoo with a known population of Riverine implications of taxonomic revisions within the Rabbits. Pictured (L-R): Esther Matthew, Bonnie and conservation of Bunolagus monticularis Order. (KSR #6) Schumann and Johnny Arends (); (3) improve knowledge and Photo: Endangered Wildlife Trust ii. Assessment of all named Lagomorph species conservation of Caprolagus hispidus (Hispid was completed in 2019. We are developing a Hare); (4) stop poisoning of Ochotona curzoniae plan for reassessments and updates as taxo- (Plateau Pika); (5) control feral cats and their nomic changes are made. (KSR #1) negative impact on Pentalagus furnessi (Amami Research activities Rabbit); (6) improve the status of Oryctolagus cuniculus () in its native range, i. Important recent findings on Brachylagus as a prey item of the endangered Iberian Lynx; idahoensis include evaluating the potential (7) improve conservation to recover Sylvilagus for managing for other threatened species transitionalis (New England Cottontail); (8) (Sage Grouse) to positively impact Brachylagus protect Ochotona hyperborea (Northern Pika) in habitat, dietary partitioning, genetic studies Hokkaido; (9) protect and monitor the endan- of population size and gene flow, and habitat gered subspecies Sylvilagus bachmani riparius selection. (KSR #12, 16) (Riparian Brush Rabbit); (10) monitor the endan- ii. A major review paper was published in gered subspecies Sylvilagus palustris hefneri 2018, and subsequently a ‘Jackrabbit Working (LKMR = Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit). Group’ was formed with biologists from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They Network have conducted a series of investigations on Membership: review and expand the LSG the Antelope Jackrabbit (L. alleni) at the north- membership. western edge of its range. They have deter- Communicate mined that the Antelope Jackrabbit undergoes Communication: (1) develop a new improved population fluctuations, not in concordance LSG webpage; (2) publish overarching book on with changes in precipitation, but possibly the biology and conservation of all lagomorphs. due to variability in levels. Compar- Scientific meetings: plan for 6th World Lago- isons of lagomorph trends across states has morph Conference. revealed startling declines in several species of Lepus and Sylvilagus. Evidence suggests habitat alterations and climate change may be driving these declines. LSG member Brown has also recently reinstated the species status of the A Northern Pika, Ochotona hyperborea, A Northern Pika, Ochotona hyperborea, peers out of the snow in Hokkaido, Japan during the summer in Hokkaido, Japan Photo: Yuichi Takakura Photo: Katsuro Tateishi

Tamaulipas White-sided Jackrabbit (L. altim- vi. Surveys on all Chinese Lepus species on the Tianshan Mountains. In 2019, Ili Pika was irae) from eastern , placing it alongside (Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hainan) were part of a first included in the new draft of the People’s other White-sided Jackrabbits (L. flavigularis, L. broader effort focused on but didn’t Republic of China Key Wildlife Conservation List. callotis, L. alleni), and removing it as a subspe- uncover usable leporid data. Most of the It was initially designated as a national second- cies of the Black-tailed Jackrabbit (L. califor- people working on Lagomorphs in China are not level protected and was the only lago- nicus). (KSR #12, 27) primarily focused on conservation. (KSR #12, 16) morph included in the protection list. Also, iii. Out of the 109 observed and 14 exam- vii. The Striped Rabbit Working Group (focused funding for the Ili Pika Conservation Project was ined (through PCR) Jackrabbits, all repre- on both species of Nesolagus) met in 2019. They secured by the China Environmental Protection sented Lepus californicus and not L. callotis, identified the need for additional ecological Foundation. (KSR #12, 16) work undertaken with financial support from information for the species, including distribu- x. Highlights on surveys of Ochotona in China the Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona Center for tion, and are planning to write grants to support include the rediscovery of Kozlov’s Pika (O. Nature Conservation. Continued research a more targeted and systematic survey in koslowi) at the Dingzikou (northern shore of and monitoring are needed to determine the Sumatra. They are also working with the govern- the Aqike Lake, Arjinshan National Nature present status, population fluctuations, and ment on official recommendations for the Reserve) in Xinjiang, China. This represents possible extirpation of L. callotis. This will species. In addition, research has been done to a re-discovery of the species near its type entail multiple expeditions to Durango and quantify the number of being targeted locality, at a site where it was missing in 2016 Chihuahua to obtain biological, ecological and for illegal trade. (KSR #12, 16) surveys. A new investigation is underway on taxonomic data. A minimum of five surveys of viii. The Striped Rabbit Working Group its current survival status. Additional surveys 15 days of duration, divided into north Mexico (focused on both species of Nesolagus) met have targeted the Alpine Pika (O. alpina) and (two surveys) and central-south Mexico (three in 2019. They identified the development of a Pallas’s Pika (O. pallasi), focusing on their surveys) are anticipated. (KSR #12, 16) captive breeding programme as a key need habitat, survival status, and communication. iv. While research focused intently on Lepus for the Annamite Striped Rabbit. Systematic Finally, three additional surveys (Xinjiang, Tibet, fagani, L. habessinicus, and L. starcki in Ethiopia camera-trapping surveys were conducted in Pu and Hainan) were undertaken as part of a over the last few years, 2019 was a slow year Mat National Park and Bach Ma National Park broader effort focused on mammals but didn’t due to lack of funding. New LSG members inter- / Saola Nature Reserves in Viet Nam in 2019. uncover usable ochotonid data. A number of ested in these species were recently recruited Preliminary results suggest that populations studies of pika phylogeny, population genetics, and research priorities are being identified. No in these areas are low, partially due to intense and demography are ongoing in the region, new surveys were conducted in 2019, mainly poaching pressure. Additional surveys as well and are revising our understanding of species due to a lack of funding. Research needs include as population and habitat modelling are planned boundaries and gene flow in this taxonomi- a better understanding of population biology for 2020 and into the future. (KSR #12, 16) cally complex genus. Weidong Li, a member of the IUCN SSC lagomorph expert group, has and reproduction, feeding ecology, distribution ix. In 2019, all six known Ili Pika (Ochotona and habitat fragmentation. (KSR #12, 16) iliensis) sites were monitored for pika pres- submitted a proposal to the relevant depart- ment to include two species of Chinese pika on v. The recent Red Listing process brought ence through in-person surveys and infrared together updated information on Lepus cameras. were confirmed at five of the the protection list. (KSR #12, 16) flavigularis. Censuses are continuing and a solid sites across two mountain ranges; no Ili Pika xi. Given the large body of research on team is assembled to monitor the status of the were found at one of the Jinghe Jipuk South Ochotona princeps, it is relatively well repre- species. (KSR #12, 16) points this year. Both the distribution and sented in the literature on climate change habitat of Ili Pikas are getting higher, possibly vulnerability, with much of the work conducted related to global climate change. Currently, two Ili Pika protection sites have been established by members of the LSG. Research suggests xvi. Results of literature review on lagomorphs at the population established in 2012. All wild that the relationship between temperature and via publication of peer reviewed publications rabbits detected in this population since 2018 occurrence may differ across the range, with are based upon Web of Science searches. were wild born, and 11% of rabbits detected in some populations facing greater climate change Matches represent field or laboratory studies winter surveys had survived a second winter. risk. However, the magnitude of risk is still with relevance for conservation, ecology, or Recent genomic analysis identified four distinct under debate. (KSR #12, 16, 38) evolution. (KSR #43) genetic groups of pygmy rabbits throughout xii. Range margin declines and increasing xvii. Research on Sylvilagus insonus: All 55 their range: (1) Columbia Basin, (2) Northern habitat mismatch is occurring for populations of of images of leporids obtained appear to be Utah/Wyoming, (3) Southern Utah, and (4) Lepus americanus as consequence of climate Sylvilagus cunicularius (Mexican Cottontail). Great Basin (includes Nevada, Oregon, Cali- change and reduced snow cover. (KSR #12, 16, The local inhabitants insist that two species fornia, Idaho, and Montana). Ongoing research 38) of rabbits are present and a recent photo of S. activities include a genomic panel to assess ancestry in the wild mixed-ancestry Columbia xiii. We are still looking for anyone with rele- insonus (July 2009) by Stephen Davies suggests vant expertise on Pronolagus species in Africa, that the Omiltemi Rabbit is still extant. Plans Basin individuals and identification of adaptive and plan to continue recruitment in 2020 at include continued searching and to collect loci for each of the regions. Ongoing manage- the World Lagomorph Conference and in 2021 pellet samples from suspected S. insonus ment activities include on-site semi-wild captive at the International Congress, where latrines for DNA confirmation. (KSR #12, 16) breeding, translocation of both captive and wild kits with soft-release, annual transects there will be a symposium on African mammals. Plan to record and scat, and non-invasive (KSR #12, 16) Planning genetic sampling. (KSR #24) xiv. mtDNA was sequenced from faecal pellets i. Lagomorph Conservation Action Plan: ii. The presence of a population of Riverine of Romerolagus diazi, representing 152 indi- Working closely with LSG members helped us Rabbits (Bunolagus monticularis) was confirmed viduals collected at 45 different sample sites. focus on needed conservation planning. on the western side of the Baviaanskloof, Results indicate that five historical lineages of R. (KSR #28) South Africa, in late May 2019. This population diazi form four populations, connected by either Act represents a completely new distribution of the current gene flow or shared ancestral polymor- Conservation actions species not anticipated by any previous popu- phisms. Based on this result, four evolution- lation modelling. This is an historic find with arily significant units (ESUs) were proposed for i. As of 2019, Pygmy Rabbits (Brachylagus the closest confirmed sightings of the southern the species, and recommendations were made idahoensis) have been re-established in the population having been more than 250 km to to adapt this information for captive breeding Columbia Basin in three non-connected loca- the west. (KSR #11, 12) programmes. (KSR #12, 16) tions with suitable deep soil sagebrush habitat in historically occupied sites. The population iii. In 2019, surveys were conducted in Phibsoo xv. Projects focusing on the status and distri- established in 2012 contains an estimated bution of Sylvilagus dicei, S. gabbi, S. floridanus, Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan, but no Caprolagus minimum of 140 rabbits, the sites established in S. andinus, S. brasiliensis and S. nuttallii are were observed. Due to COVID-19 delays, we 2018 are comprised of less than 10 rabbits each, underway, some accepted pending revisions don’t have additional information on other 2019 and 19 rabbits are held within a naturalised and others at earlier stages. These results survey efforts. (KSR #12, 16) breeding enclosure onsite. These populations suggest the elevation of several subspecies, iv. There is increased understanding in contain ~ 17–22% Columbia Basin ancestry, with relevance for revision of species ranges China of the folly of widespread indiscrimi- with remaining genetic contributions from and conservation status. (KSR #12, 16) nate poisoning of the Plateau Pika (Ochotona other parts of the ’s range. From curzoniae). More local scientists embrace 2011–2017, 1,782 juveniles and 165 adults were released from onsite captive pens into the wild Recovery of populations of the Riparian Brush Rabbit, Sylvilagus bachmani riparius, are being monitored through camera trapping in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge Photo: Patrick Kelly, Endangered Species Recovery Program, California State University Stanislaus

a cessation of poisoning. It remains difficult to get government statistics as to the actual percent decline in control measures. As a result of Smith’s work, there is now increased attention being paid to the Plateau Pika, and an indication that some of the poisoning has stopped. A recent China Global Television Network story was entitled A Late Apology to the Plateau Pika, showing the tide turning against control with poisons. (KSR #27) v. A gradual recovery of the (Pentalagus furnessi) is taking place following feral cat control. Also, the Amami Rabbit was a key factor in the recent designation of Amami island and surrounding islands as a World Heri- tage Site. (KSR #27) vi. The status of Oryctolagus cuniculus was changed from Near Threatened to Endan- gered during the 2019 Red List assessment, highlighting declines of >50% in its native range due to a new variant of Rabbit Haemor- rhagic Disease (RHD). Rabbits are very scarce (and even almost absent) in many natural areas where they were historically abundant. The assessment suggests focusing efforts on “increasing habitat protection (e.g. building artificial rabbit warrens), reduction of rabbit mortality by humans (hunting, inappropriate management practices) and reducing disease impacts.” (KSR #27) vii. Production of Sylvilagus transitionalis juve- nile rabbits relied on two zoo-based facili- ties, one large enclosure, and two free-ranging offshore island colonies. Captive breeding resulted in an annual production of 110 juve- nile New England cottontails, with 48 surviving to release. Juvenile rabbits were released into vacant and augmented existing popu- lations. Winter pellet surveys continued to monitor cottontail distribution. (KSR #15, 27) Endangered Ili Pika, Ochotona iliensis, is captured by a camera trap Photo: Weidong Li

viii. The Pika Fan Club, under the leadership of tions are steadily recovering. Still, we only have Summary of activities 2019 LSG member Toshimi Ichikawa, conducted 13 detections on two keys (islands). Substantial Components of Species Conservation Cycle: 5/5 surveys to assess the status of the Northern changes to the rabbits’ habitat due to changes Assess 19 ||||||||||||||||||| Pika (Ochotona hyperborea) population in in hydrology (sea level rise) have also been Hokkaido, resulting in 10 published reports. The observed, and outdoor cats continue to pose a Plan 1 | Northern Pika on Hokkaido has been decreasing threat. (KSR #12, 16) Act 10 |||||||||| in numbers in recent years due to habitat loss Network Network 1 | caused by development. The Pika Fan Club has Membership Communicate 3 ||| been successful in arresting some development i. No new members were added in 2019, but Main KSRs addressed: 1, 6, 11, 12, 15, 16, 21, projects and continues to push for continued there was activity to identify potential new 24, 27, 28, 38, 43 protection of the habitat of this subspecies. members to be invited at the beginning of the KSR: Key Species Result (KSR #21, 27) next quadrennium. ix. The Riparian Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus Communicate bachmani riparius) is listed as Endangered by the state of California and the US Federal Communication government. A number of significant conserva- i. Website traffic over 100 novel hits per year. tion and recovery actions have been imple- (KSR #28) mented since 2001 in its remaining habitat in ii. We get many queries concerning conserva- the central valley of California. These include tion and biology of lagomorphs, and we recom- establishment of new populations, restoration mend people consult our book. Book sales are and creation of new habitat, and the provision strong; as we do not get royalties, we do not of high ground with suitable cover for shelter have a statement on exactly how many books and protection when rivers within their range have been sold or distributed. (KSR #28, 43) flood. The impacts of major flooding in 2019 Scientific meetings due to the above average precipitation and i. A call for abstract submission was broadly snowpack in the Sierra Nevada were reduced disseminated in 2019 for the meeting scheduled due to habitat modifications that provided in July 2020. (KSR #28) flood refuges for Riparian Brush Rabbits to move above flood waters, and connect to Acknowledgements higher ground. Monitoring for this species is ongoing. (KSR #12, 16, 24) Research on Lepus callotis was funded by the x. The Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona Center for Nature palustris hefneri) has been closely monitored Conservation. An IUCN internal grant funded since Hurricane Irma in 2017, mainly through the first working group meeting on Striped semi-annual surveys that US Fish and Wildlife Rabbits (Nesolagus spp.). Nesolagus timminsi Service funds Texas A&M University (TAMU) surveys were supported by the World Wild- to conduct. The hurricane impacted the life Fund (Russel E. Train Fellowship to Thanh habitat and population severely, but popula- Nguyen) and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. The Wildlife Conserva- tion Fund supported an effort to search for Sylvilagus insonus.