Home Range and Movements of the Eastern Cottontail in Kansas

"Home Range and Movements of the Eastern Cottontail in Kansas" by Donald W. Janes is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. This study focuses on understanding the home range and movement patterns of the Eastern Cottontail rabbit ("Sylvilagus floridanus") in northeastern Kansas. The work aims to provide crucial insights for estimating and managing cottontail populations. The book presents the findings of Janes' research conducted over a 90-acre area at the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation. Through extensive live-trapping, observation, and tracking methods, it records the behavior and habitat preferences of the cottontail rabbits. Key findings indicate that these rabbits establish home ranges primarily in areas where they were born, with ranges varying from 0.46 to 12.62 acres depending on age, sex, and seasonal conditions. The study highlights various factors influencing movements, including foraging for food, seeking cover from predators, and reproductive behaviors. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of habitat management to sustain cottontail populations and their ecological habitats.