Mathews

Cottontail Rabbit Habitat Utilization Of A Seeded And Mechanically Maintained Power Line Right-Of-Way

Habitat preference of cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus.f7oridanus) on a seeded and mechanically maintained. power line right-of-way was studied in 1974-76. Trap data and locations obtained by telemetry were used to determine habitat preference. Both techniques showed that cottontails avoided large honogenous stands of sericea (Lespedeza cuneata) and preferred areas dominated by native vegetation. Management techniques encouraging native vegetation and reducing the large stands of sericea should have a beneficial effect on rabbit populations.