Development of an Adaptive Management Framework for the Conservation of the New England Cottontail

The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is the only native rabbit species in New England. Over the past 50 years, the cottontail’s range has been reduced by more than 80% as a result of habitat loss from maturing forests and land-use change, resulting in major population declines and concerns for the long-term prospects of this iconic species and other wildlife dependent on young forests. Another threat facing the New England cottontail is resource competition from eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus), introduced into the northeastern US in the early1900s. In response, the New England cottontail is considered a species of special concern by six northeastern states and was a candidate for federal protection under [...]