Antelope Jackrabbit

Geographic Range

The antelope jackrabbit is found primarily in the southwest United States and is most densely populated in the state of Arizona. Although the largest population is found in Arizona the species extends into New Mexico, southeastern California, and parts of northern Mexico.

Habitat

The antelope jackrabbit is found in a variety of habitat. They can be found in grassy hills or plains. They can also be found in the deserts of the southwest as well. Jackrabbits are not uncommon in urban areas either, where they have adapted very well to human encroachment upon their habitat.

Physical Description

Antelope jackrabbits have body lengths that range from 18 inches up to 24 inches long. Their tails will grow to lengths of 1 inch to 4 inches long. Their front legs grow from 4 to 8 inches and the back legs can grow from 8 inches to 12 inches long. The legs are where the antelope jackrabbit gets its name, after the fast and leaping animals of the plains of Africa called the antelope. The antelope jackrabbits ears grow to be 2 to 8 inches when fully grown. The ears of the antelope jackrabbit are not only used to hear but are also used to reduce and regulate body heat for survival in the hot conditions they live in.

Reproduction

The litter size of antelope jackrabbits varies from 1 to 5. The age of maturity is uncertain, but females probably breed within a year of birth. Breeding continues year round. Several litters are born each year, each of which contain 2-4 individuals. Mating is promiscuous; males chase females, and box to repel rivals.

Behavior

The antelope jackrabbit is nocturnal and feeds mainly in the evening and early morning. They are silent except for the usual distress cry, grunts, and "chuck" calls. They do not dig or occupy burrows, but rather depend on their strong running skills when in danger.

The antelope jackrabbit is unusual in that it can flash signals like the antelope, by shifting the white hairs on its rump. These signals are flashed when the antelope jackrabbit is running away from predators. This may be a warning signal for other rabbits to look out for nearby predators.

Food

Fresh grass is eaten after the two rainy seasons that take place each year, and mesquite and cacti are eaten in the dry seasons. Throughout the year, the antelope jackrabbit consumes 45% grass and 36% mesquite. Antelope jackrabbits rarely drink water. They get most of the moisture they need from the desert plants they eat.

Human Interaction and Impact

Antelope jackrabbits are regarded as a common non-game mammal in Arizona where they are often hunted as a pests because of their damage to crops. They are also hunted as pests in other areas they are present. Hunting limits are usually high as the populations of antelope jackrabbits appear to be stable where the are currently present.

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