Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of
Conservation
Common Name: JACKRABBIT, BLACK-TAILED
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: MAMMALIA
Order: LAGOMORPHA
Family: LEPORIDAE
Genus: LEPUS
Species: CALIFORNICUS
SubSpecies: MELANOTIS
Taxonomic Authority: MEARNES
Taxonomy References: 001
NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G5
Status References: 003 , 006 , 020
"Inhabits large contiguous native grasslands with adjacent legume and crop fields. Prefer grazed areas with scattered clumps of taller vegetation."
Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"
"Occurs in southwest and central prairies of Missouri *02*."
| Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BARRY | CAMDEN | ADAIR | |||
| BARTON | COLE | ANDREW | |||
| BATES | MILLER | ATCHISON | |||
| BENTON | OSAGE | AUDRAIN | |||
| CASS | TANEY | BOLLINGER | |||
| CEDAR | BOONE | ||||
| CHRISTIAN | BUCHANAN | ||||
| COOPER | BUTLER | ||||
| DADE | CALDWELL | ||||
| DALLAS | CALLAWAY | ||||
| DOUGLAS | CAPE GIRARDEAU | ||||
| GREENE | CARROLL | ||||
| HARRISON | CARTER | ||||
| HENRY | CHARITON | ||||
| HICKORY | CLARK | ||||
| JACKSON | CLAY | ||||
| JASPER | CLINTON | ||||
| JOHNSON | CRAWFORD | ||||
| LACLEDE | DAVIESS | ||||
| LAFAYETTE | DEKALB | ||||
| LAWRENCE | DENT | ||||
| MCDONALD | DUNKLIN | ||||
| MONITEAU | FRANKLIN | ||||
| MORGAN | GASCONADE | ||||
| NEWTON | GENTRY | ||||
| PETTIS | GRUNDY | ||||
| POLK | HOLT | ||||
| PULASKI | HOWARD | ||||
| RAY | HOWELL | ||||
| SALINE | IRON | ||||
| ST. CLAIR | JEFFERSON | ||||
| STONE | KNOX | ||||
| TEXAS | LEWIS | ||||
| VERNON | LINCOLN | ||||
| WEBSTER | LINN | ||||
| WRIGHT | LIVINGSTON | ||||
| MACON | |||||
| MADISON | |||||
| MARIES | |||||
| MARION | |||||
| MERCER | |||||
| MISSISSIPPI | |||||
| MONROE | |||||
| MONTGOMERY | |||||
| NEW MADRID | |||||
| NODAWAY | |||||
| OREGON | |||||
| OZARK | |||||
| PEMISCOT | |||||
| PERRY | |||||
| PHELPS | |||||
| PIKE | |||||
| PLATTE | |||||
| PUTNAM | |||||
| RALLS | |||||
| RANDOLPH | |||||
| REYNOLDS | |||||
| RIPLEY | |||||
| SCHUYLER | |||||
| SCOTLAND | |||||
| SCOTT | |||||
| SHANNON | |||||
| SHELBY | |||||
| ST. CHARLES | |||||
| ST. FRANCOIS | |||||
| ST. LOUIS | |||||
| STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
| STODDARD | |||||
| SULLIVAN | |||||
| WARREN | |||||
| WASHINGTON | |||||
| WAYNE | |||||
| WORTH |
References for distribution: 002 , 003 , 017 , 019 , 022
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Thompson R.
Marais Des Cygnes from Headwaters to Little Osage R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
North Fork White R.
Current R.
Lost Creek
Spring R.
Indian Creek
Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."
Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands
Comments: ""
Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Osage Plains
Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.
References for Aquatic Associations:
Cereal Grain
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Perennial Grass (cool-season)
Shrub-Grass
Legumes (Tame)
References for Habitat Types: 004
Prairie
Dry Prairie
Dry-Mesic Prairie
Mesic Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Chert Prairie
Dry Chert Prairie
Dry-Mesic Chert Prairie
Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 004 , 010 , 011 , 017
"Herbivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Cyperaceae (sedge); Bole/Stem
Leguminosae (pea, bean, sweet clover); Bole/Stem
Gramineae (grass); Bole/Stem
Wheat; Bole/Stem
Barley; Bole/Stem
Buffalo grass; Bole/Stem
Dicotyledoneae (dicots); Bark
Dicotyledoneae (dicots); Buds
Cyperaceae (sedge); Leaves/Needles
Leguminosae (pea, bean, sweet clover); Leaves/Needles
Gramineae (grass); Leaves/Needles
Wheat; Leaves/Needles
Barley; Leaves/Needles
Buffalo grass; Leaves/Needles
Leguminosae (pea, bean, sweet clover); Flower
Gramineae (grass); Fruit/Seeds
Cactaceae (cactus); Not Specified
Liliaceae (lily, onion); Not Specified
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits 002 , 007 , 010 , 013
Cyperaceae (sedge); Bole/Stem
Leguminosae (pea, bean, sweet clover); Bole/Stem
Gramineae (grass); Bole/Stem
Wheat; Bole/Stem
Barley; Bole/Stem
Buffalo grass; Bole/Stem
Dicotyledoneae (dicots); Bark
Dicotyledoneae (dicots); Buds
Cyperaceae (sedge); Leaves/Needles
Euglenophyta (Euglenoids); Leaves/Needles
Gramineae (grass); Leaves/Needles
Wheat; Leaves/Needles
Barley; Leaves/Needles
Buffalo grass; Leaves/Needles
Leguminosae (pea, bean, sweet clover); Flower
Gramineae (grass); Fruit/Seeds
See comments on seasonal variation; Not Specified
Cactaceae (cactus); Not Specified
Liliaceae (lily, onion); Not Specified
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 002 , 010 , 013 , 021
References for egg niches requirements:
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Agricultural crops: alfalfa
Agricultural crops: clover
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Isolation from humans: some isolation from humans required
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 010 , 011 , 013 , 017
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 010 , 011 , 017
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 007 , 010
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Agricultural crops: alfalfa
Agricultural crops: clover
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Isolation from humans: some isolation from humans required
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 010 , 011 , 013 , 017
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Agricultural crops: alfalfa
Agricultural crops: clover
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Isolation from humans: some isolation from humans required
References for resting adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 010 , 011 , 017
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Agricultural crops: alfalfa
Agricultural crops: clover
Agricultural crops: small grains
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Isolation from humans: some isolation from humans required
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 016 | Nest form up to 8" deep. *02*. |
| 017 | Gestation 41-47 days (average 43) *02,12*. |
| 019 | In KS, females. Average 3.8 litters/season *09*. 1-4 litters/year in MO *02*. |
| 034 | Habitat is limiting factor *02*. |
| 007 | Breed January-August (peak early feb) in CA *13*. Breed mid February-mid June (peak April) in ID (approximately 128-day season) *11*. In TX, reproductively active most of year, breed November-September *15*. In KS, breeding season approximately 220 days, consistent postpartum breeding not found, pregnant females. Collected from last week of January to August *09*. Postpartum heat was found in CA, pregnant femalesales found every month, though not in large numbers until January *14*. In MO, breed throughout year, though most breeding takes place late winter to mid- summer *02*. In UT, % of females pregnant rose from low values in January to seasonal highs in March, April, May and declined to last pregnancies in July. Breeding synchronized into 4 conception periods per year, 1st period last half of June and others follow at 40 day intervals *08*. In KS adult males collected December-late August contained sperm, 72% all adult females collected were pregnant *16*. |
| 018 | In TX, mean litter size 2.56 young in August, declined to 0 in October, and increased to 2.63 young in July *15*. In CA, average number embryos/female: 1- January, 4-April, and 1-August *14*. In KS mean number fetuses/pregnant female: 2.6 *09*. In MO, 2-4 young *02*. In UT, mean litter sizes rose from 1-2 (January) to seasonal high of greater than6 (April) and declined to 3-4 at end of season *08*. In KS, mean litter sizes fluctuated by month: 1.0-May, 4.2-May, total mean litter size 2.8 young, 11% loss of entire litters *16*. |
| 022 | In captivity, females. Produced young following season after birth. *12*. In MO, few may breed in year of birth *02*. In a UT study, 27% of 1st-litter females bred in season of birth *08*. |
| 026 | Females charge others during breeding season, may be territorial *13*. May be to provide space for young *02*. |
| 028 | In CA, male home range about 35 acres *13*. In MO, home range 1-2 square miles *02*. KS summer movement range 37.7 acres *16*. |
| 030 | Peak feeding activity in evening *13*. Young half grown may be more nocturnal than adults. Young in captivity become more diurnal about 2 months old *13*. Feed about dusk and sometimes at daybreak in MO *02*. |
| 031 | In UT, annual mortality rates average 80%. Means varied for periods of increase and decline *08*. In ID, 1st year mortality approached 91%, 94% at 2 years, and 98% by 3 years of age *11*. In KS, juvenile mortality rate high October-December, by January 1, 63% of young produced in previous breeding season were lost *16*. |
| 035 | Coyotes, raptors, foxes, and snakes are common predators *02*. Parasites include: ticks, lice, fleas, flies, roundworms and tapeworms. Tularemia and coccidiosis occasionally occur. *02*. |
| 099 | Young become independent 3-4 weeks old, reach adult size about 2 months *02*. During day, sit in 'forms', dust bathe occasionally. May feed in small groups when food abundant *02*. |
| 037 | Young leave form shortly after birth, litter may stay together week or more after leaving nest. *16*. |
Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Dispersal specified in comments(037)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: grazing
Foraging strategy: browsing
Foraging sites: ground
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system: promiscuity
Duration of pair bond: no pair bond formed
Nest/den site: depression
Nest/den site: grass
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: hair or feathers
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litters per year specified in comments(019)
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: female
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio: 1:1
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 016 | Nest form up to 8" deep. *02*. |
| 017 | Gestation 41-47 days (average 43) *02,12*. |
| 019 | In KS, females. Average 3.8 litters/season *09*. 1-4 litters/year in MO *02*. |
| 034 | Habitat is limiting factor *02*. |
| 007 | Breed January-August (peak early feb) in CA *13*. Breed mid February-mid June (peak April) in ID (approximately 128-day season) *11*. In TX, reproductively active most of year, breed November-September *15*. In KS, breeding season approximately 220 days, consistent postpartum breeding not found, pregnant females. Collected from last week of January to August *09*. Postpartum heat was found in CA, pregnant femalesales found every month, though not in large numbers until January *14*. In MO, breed throughout year, though most breeding takes place late winter to mid- summer *02*. In UT, % of females pregnant rose from low values in January to seasonal highs in March, April, May and declined to last pregnancies in July. Breeding synchronized into 4 conception periods per year, 1st period last half of June and others follow at 40 day intervals *08*. In KS adult males collected December-late August contained sperm, 72% all adult females collected were pregnant *16*. |
| 018 | In TX, mean litter size 2.56 young in August, declined to 0 in October, and increased to 2.63 young in July *15*. In CA, average number embryos/female: 1- January, 4-April, and 1-August *14*. In KS mean number fetuses/pregnant female: 2.6 *09*. In MO, 2-4 young *02*. In UT, mean litter sizes rose from 1-2 (January) to seasonal high of greater than6 (April) and declined to 3-4 at end of season *08*. In KS, mean litter sizes fluctuated by month: 1.0-May, 4.2-May, total mean litter size 2.8 young, 11% loss of entire litters *16*. |
| 022 | In captivity, females. Produced young following season after birth. *12*. In MO, few may breed in year of birth *02*. In a UT study, 27% of 1st-litter females bred in season of birth *08*. |
| 026 | Females charge others during breeding season, may be territorial *13*. May be to provide space for young *02*. |
| 028 | In CA, male home range about 35 acres *13*. In MO, home range 1-2 square miles *02*. KS summer movement range 37.7 acres *16*. |
| 030 | Peak feeding activity in evening *13*. Young half grown may be more nocturnal than adults. Young in captivity become more diurnal about 2 months old *13*. Feed about dusk and sometimes at daybreak in MO *02*. |
| 031 | In UT, annual mortality rates average 80%. Means varied for periods of increase and decline *08*. In ID, 1st year mortality approached 91%, 94% at 2 years, and 98% by 3 years of age *11*. In KS, juvenile mortality rate high October-December, by January 1, 63% of young produced in previous breeding season were lost *16*. |
| 035 | Coyotes, raptors, foxes, and snakes are common predators *02*. Parasites include: ticks, lice, fleas, flies, roundworms and tapeworms. Tularemia and coccidiosis occasionally occur. *02*. |
| 099 | Young become independent 3-4 weeks old, reach adult size about 2 months *02*. During day, sit in 'forms', dust bathe occasionally. May feed in small groups when food abundant *02*. |
| 037 | Young leave form shortly after birth, litter may stay together week or more after leaving nest. *16*. |
References for life history: 002 , 007 , 009 , 011 , 013 , 015 , 018
Agricultural - develop and maintain food plots
Agricultural - retention of crop residue over winter
Agricultural - no-till farming
Grassland - seasonal restriction of human use of habitats
Grassland - supplemental feeding (winter, spring, etc)
Grassland - develop and maintain food plots
Grassland - control grazing of domestic livestock
Beneficial Management References: 007
Shrub/brush - application of herbicides
Shrub/brush - uncontrolled grazing of domestic livestock
Grassland - application of herbicides
Grassland - uncontrolled grazing of domestic livestock
Adverse Management References: 007
Comments on Management:
In KS, jack rabbits important in introducing seeds of prairie plants into abandoned cultivated fields.*10*
References for Management Comments: 010
| Reference Code | Citation |
|---|---|
| 001 | Hall, E.R. 1981. The Mammals Of North America, 2nd Ed. John Wiley And Sons, Inc. New York. 1181pp. |
| 002 | Schwartz, C.W. and E.R. Schwartz. 1981. The Wild Mammals Of Missouri 2nd Ed. Univ. Of Missouri Press And Mo Dept. Of Conservation, Columbia, Mo. 356 Pp. |
| 003 | The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp. |
| 004 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
| 005 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
| 006 | The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 007 | Unpb Sadler, K.C. Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo. 65201. (573)882-9880. |
| 008 | Gross, J.E., L.C. Stoddart, and F.H. Wagner. 1974. Demographic Analysis Of A Northern Utah Jackrabbit Population. Wildl. Monogr. 40 68pp. |
| 009 | Bronson, F.H. and O.W. Tiemeier. 1958. Reproduction And Age Distribution Of Black-Tailed Jack Rabbits In Kansas. J. Wildl. Manage. 22(4):409-414. |
| 010 | Brown, H.L. 1947. Coaction Of Jack Rabbit, Cottontail, And Vegetation In A Mixed Prairie. Trans. Ks Acad. Sci. 50(1):28-44. |
| 011 | Feldhammer, G.A. 1979. Age, Sex Ratios And Reproductive Potential In Black-Tailed Jackrabbits. Mammalia 43(4):473-478. |
| 012 | Haskell, H.S. and H.G. Reynolds. 1947. Growth, Developmental Food Requirements, And Breeding Activity Of The California Jack Rabbit. J. Mammal. 28(2):129-136. |
| 013 | Lechleitner, R.R. 1958. Certain Aspects Of Behavior Of The Black- Tailed Jack Rabbit. Am. Midl. Nat. 60(1):145-155. |
| 014 | Lechleitner, R.R. 1959. Sex Ratio, Age Classes And Reproduction Of The Black-Tailed Jack Rabbit. J. Mammal. 40(1):63-81. |
| 015 | Hanselka, C.W., J.M. Inglis, and H.G. Applegate. 1971. Reproduction In The Black-Tailed Jackrabbit In Southwestern Texas. Sw Nat 16(2): 214-217. |
| 016 | Tiemeier, O.W. 1965. The Black-Tailed Jack Rabbit In Kansas. Ks St. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. #140. 75pp. |
| 017 | Unpb Skinner, R.M. and B.J.R. Skinner. The Distribution And Abundance Of Jackrabbits In Missouri. Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)882-9880. |
| 018 | Stoddart, L.C. 1985. Severe Weather Related Mortality Of Black-Tailed Jack Rabbits. J. Wildl. Manage. 49(3):696-698. |
| 019 | Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 020 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp. |
| 021 | Donalty, S., S.E. Henke, and C.L. Kerr. 2003. Use of winter food plots by nongame wildlife species. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 31(3): 774-778. |
| 022 | UNPB Shelby Timm. MDC Mammal Database. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Ellington Office. 2929 County Rd 618, Ellington, MO 63638/ |