Fecal pellet surveys and DNA analysis reveal that Appalachian cottontails (Sylvilagus obscurus) are more widespread than previously recorded in western Maryland

Abstract

Abstract Although the Appalachian cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus) is believed to be declining throughout its range, there is a lack of information on its specific distribution, as existing studies are limited in range and based on a small number of live-trapped rabbits. To better determine the species’ range in western Maryland, mtDNA extracted from fecal pellets collected at sites likely to house Appalachian cottontail populations was used for species identification. The identification success rate for this method was 87%. This noninvasive method allowed many more sites to be surveyed than would have been possible with live-trapping methods and found Appalachian cottontail at 18 sites where they were not previously recorded, indicating that the species may be more widespread in western Maryland than previously thought. This study provides a noninvasive method of species identification that would be useful for more widespread surveys of elusive species.