Pygmy rabbits released back into wild

The Oregon Zoo will release a littler of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits back into the wild.  The litter is a product of a pair of pygmy rabbits at the zoo.

The animals will be released to the Sagebrush Flat Wildlife Area in central Washington.  So far, 93 pygmy rabbits have been reintroduced into the area, including 39 babies from the Oregon zoo.

The animals became endangered in 2002. Experts say disease, inbreeding and loss of habitat wiped out much of the species.

To protect them from predators, encourage breeding and help them transition to their new surroundings, the rabbits are initially being kept in wire mesh enclosures in the wildlife area.

"We've taken extra steps to try to ensure that we don't lose these unique creatures. Every animal is important," said Kim Smith, Oregon Zoo director. "We're committed to conservation of many endangered species - large and small - and the fact is, these are the last Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits in existence."

The shy rabbits are dependent on sagebrush, which makes up the majority of their diet and grows in deep, loose soil in which the rabbits dig burrows. The rabbits have been edged out of their habitat as sagebrush steppe has been converted to agricultural land. Disease, wildfire and predation by raptors, coyotes and weasels also have contributed to the rabbit's decline.

Until this release, there were no Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits known to be left in the wild. Although there are other pygmy rabbits, including in Idaho, Oregon and Utah, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit has been separated from the other populations for thousands of years and is genetically distinct.

From here.