Composition and Degradation of Jackrabbit and Cottontail Fecal Pellets, Texas High Plains

Abstract

Fecal pellets were taken from black-tailed jackrabbits and desert cottontail rabbits for studies of rates of natural degradation. Microscopic analyses of fecal samples showed a significant difference in the proportion of grasses, forbs, and woody plants ingested by the two leporid species sampled. Jackrabbits had ingested greater proportions of grasses and woody plants while cottontails had ingested greater proportions of forb material. Degradation of fecal pellets was observed at regular intervals from 1972 to 1974. Time required for complete disappearance of pellets was estimated at 4.4 years for jackrabbits and 9.5 years for cottontails. Relative humidity and precipitation were strongly correlated (r = -0.98 and -0.95 for jackrabbits and cottontails, respectively) with disappearance of pellets.