A small rabbit — among the smallest in North America (~250 g). Restricted to sagebrush habitats. Digs own burrows.

Native status: Native to Great Basin; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 23–29 cm; tail 1.5–2.5 cm
Weight250–500 g
LifespanWild 5 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The pygmy rabbit is a rabbit species native to the United States. It is one of the only two native rabbit species in North America to dig its own burrow. The pygmy rabbit differs significantly from species within either the Lepus (hare) or Sylvilagus (cottontail) genera, and was once considered to be within the genus Brachylagus, which includes one extinct species. One isolated population, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, is listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Federal government, though the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as lower risk.

Source: Wikipedia — Pygmy rabbit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tiny rabbit with grayish-brown back, white belly; small ears.

Similar species. Other US rabbits (much larger).

Voice. High-pitched calls.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Sagebrush (primary), grasses, forbs.

Behavior. Smallest North American rabbit. Among very few rabbit species that digs own burrows. Sagebrush-obligate species.

§ Range

Sagebrush-steppe of Great Basin

§ Habitat

Sagebrush habitats

§ Threats

Sagebrush loss to invasive cheatgrass and fire, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pygmy rabbit is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support sagebrush habitat conservation. Donate to sage-steppe restoration.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2019