Consumption of Forage by Black-Tailed Jackrabbits on Salt-Desert Ranges of Utah

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Abstract
Preference and consumption of forage by the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and the probable levels of competition between jackrabbits and domestic sheep were studied on salt-desert rangelands from March, 1959, through May, 1960. Grasses, forbs, and shrubs were grazed by rabbits in early spring. Grasses were preferred throughout late spring and summer, and shrubs throughout late fall and winter. Principal shrub species consumed were whitesage (Eurotia lanata), shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), saltsage (A. nuttalll), and big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). Whitesage and saltsage were most readily grazed during the fall and winter. Shadscale and whitesage were preferred early in spring before grass growth began. This preference order closely resembled that for domestic sheep, and during winter when sheep normally graze these ranges, 5.8 jackrabbits consumed or wasted an amount of forage equal-Ing the food requirement of 1 sheep for an equivalent period of time.

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