Locomotor and foraging activity of the white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii)

Abstract

White-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii) were observed using radiotelemetry and focal observations to evaluate factors affecting locomotor activity and foraging effort. Individuals were highly synchronous in onset and cessation of locomotor activity. Locomotion began ca. 1 h after sunset and ceased before sunrise throughout the year. Hence, the nightly activity period varied inversely with photoperiod. Distance, duration, and frequency of locomotion increased during the early breeding season, March and April, and declined during warm months of the study, May and June. Low ambient temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation had no significant effect on locomotor or foraging activity of this well-insulated leporid (P > 0.05). However, a decline in locomotor activity and an increase in foraging effort occurred when snow cover was present. Trends associated with predation included reduced locomotor activity during periods of greater lunar illumination and an increase in speed of movement when predators (coyotes, Canis latrans) vocalized.