Abstract

The distribution and abundance of swamp rabbits in southern Illinois have decreased due to loss and fragmentation of bottomland hardwood forests. Remaining suitable habitat is fragmented and most populations are isolated because of limited dispersal across open areas. I created a model of habitat suitability for swamp rabbits in southern Illinois using geospatial data, expert-opinion surveys, and a geographic information system (GIS). The expert survey was distributed to biologists knowledgeable about swamp rabbits to quantify their opinions about dispersal and habitat suitability by ranking certain habitat features and variables. I then used a GIS to analyze the data and create a map of habitat suitability. I determined potential dispersal corridors using a least-cost path analysis. The resultant corridors were prioritized based on management goals of population expansion, population conservation, and identifying parcels of land to target for inclusion in government conservation incentive programs. About 1% of the study area was classified as highly suitable habitat, and 85% of the areas with highest swamp rabbit abundances were highly suitable. Owners of properties identified by this analysis as highly suitable were sent mail surveys to determine their willingness to participate in or learn more about swamp rabbit conservation. The majority (69%) of landowners surveyed responded positively.