Diet of Black-Tailed Jackrabbits on Sandhill Rangeland in Colorado

Abstract

The diet and forage preferences of the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) were studied by stomach content analysis to determine the degree of competition between cattle and jackrabbits on sandhill rangeland. Grasses were most important in the diet in early spring and summer. Forbs were important during summer and fall and shrubs were eaten in fall and winter. Competition for forage between jackrabbits and cattle was greatest in early spring and least in late fall and winter. Jackrabbits influence the longevity of reseeded forage stands and the secondary succession on old fields. A thorough knowledge of diet and forage preferences of jackrabbits permits the land manager to make better decisions for efficient range use.