new england cottontail pamphlet
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Captive Breeding
Captive breeding programs are one of the main ways scientists are
helping the New England cottontail. There are several captive breeding projects happening all over New
England, as well as a fairly successful one being conducted right here in Rhode Island. Scientists from the
Roger Williams Park Zoo worked on getting a captive New England
cottontail population up and then released 15 of them onto Patience Island in Narragansett Bay. The release was in 2013 and so far the specimen seem to be acclimating
well.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways locals can help in the efforts to save this native
species. Frequently, scientists need help collecting rabbit pellets in certain areas around the state.
Collecting these samples lets them know where NECs are residing
throughout the state. Locals can also help by making their property more NEC friendly. This means planting
brush and other plants these animals can use. It is up to us to make sure this beautiful creature is saved!
The New England Cottontail
A disappearing icon of the New England forest
For More Information: Amy Gottfried
Kingston, RI, 02881
http://web.uri.edu/forestry/new-‐england-‐cottontail/[Web Address]
Cottontail’s Habitat: Past and Present
1
Historically, the New England cottontail resided from Maine all the way to eastern New York. In today’s climate and with the current human presence, NECs only live in five fragmented areas. Why? Much of it has to do with the type of habitat these animals need. The New England cottontail prefers to live in what is called “young forest”. Young forests have a plethora of shrubs and young trees as well as overgrown field area. This type of landscape allows the animal to take cover amid the brush, as well as bolt when the timing is right. Young forests are also teeming with vegetation that New England cottontails love.
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The problem with young forests is that people like to buy up the land and build on it. Because there are no large deeply rooted trees, it is easy to develop it. Also, historically forests would go through a cycle from young forests to mature forests, and then natural checks like forest fires would take place, starting the cycle all over again. Now, humans prevent forest fires because they can be quite dangerous; however, we are almost evicting the animals that reside in the young forests. Luckily, there is much that we can do to replenish the New England cottontail’s population and rebuild their habitat.
New England’s Own The New England cottontail is a wild rabbit native to the New England area. This prey animal is a peaceful presence in our local forest, but sadly it is being threatened. Habitat loss due to human activities is causing the New England cottontail population to drop drastically. It is not too late for this beautiful creature, but actions must be taken now. Captive breeding programs have shown tremendous promise, but there are things locals can do for the New England cottontail as well.