[Image of a line graph showing the decline in the pygmy rabbit population from 1990 to 2020.]
The pygmy rabbit is a small, rare rabbit that is found in the sagebrush steppe of the western United States. The population of pygmy rabbits has been declining for decades, and the species is now considered to be threatened.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of the pygmy rabbit, including:
* Habitat loss: The sagebrush steppe ecosystem is being rapidly developed for human uses, such as agriculture, urban development, and mining. This has resulted in the loss of large areas of pygmy rabbit habitat.
* Hunting: Pygmy rabbits are hunted for their meat and fur. Hunting is a significant source of mortality for pygmy rabbits, especially in areas where there is a high density of hunters.
* Disease: Pygmy rabbits are susceptible to a number of diseases, including tularemia, which is a bacterial disease that can be fatal to rabbits. Disease outbreaks can cause significant declines in pygmy rabbit populations.
* Climate change: Climate change is causing the sagebrush steppe ecosystem to become warmer and drier. This is making it more difficult for pygmy rabbits to survive, as they are adapted to living in a cool, moist climate.
The decline of the pygmy rabbit is a serious conservation concern. The species is at risk of extinction if the factors that are causing its decline are not addressed.