The objective of this preliminary modeling effort was to prepare a single HexSimPLE model for the Northern Basin Pygmy rabbit population within the geographic extent of the Northwest Basin and Range landscape (Figure 1, https://www.fws.gov/science/catalog range). Population parameters derived from the literature and reviewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) refuges team were used to populate a simplified individual- based model (IBM) platform to develop a reasonable yet simplistic representation of pygmy rabbit movement, habitat use, and population dynamics in this landscape. This preliminary modeling effort was used to make qualitative comparisons among hypothetical land management scenarios. Results demonstrate how management alternatives can be evaluated in landscape planning with such population models. In addition, this preliminary modeling effort helped identify remaining data needs and refined key management questions in this system, providing substantial benefit to landscape conservation planners for a low level of effort and using limited preliminary data.
