CPW Pygmy Rabbit Shapefile Download

Updated December, 2025 PygmyRabbitOverallRange is an ESRI shapefile encompassing the observed and predicted range of a population of Pygmy Rabbit in Colorado. This information was derived from species experts. A variety of data capture techniques were used including implementation of the SmartBoard Interactive Whiteboard using stand-up, real-time digitizing at various scales (Cowardin, M., M. Flenner. March 2003. Maximizing Mapping Resources. GeoWorld 16(3):32-35). Various sources were referenced in developing these data including"Determining pygmy rabbit population demographics, habitat, and vertebrate associates at the edges of their geographic range Ana Davidson, Ph.D. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University", Mammals of Colorado, and CPW Scientific Collection data. Pygmy Rabbit is primarily associated with areas of tall, dense sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover, and are highly dependent on sagebrush to provide both food and shelter throughout the year. Their diet in the winter consists of up to 99 percent sagebrush. Burrows are typically found in relatively deep, loose soils of wind-borne or water-born origin. They occasionally make use of burrows abandoned by other species and as a result, may occur in areas of shallower or more compact soils that support sufficient shrub cover. These data are updated on a four year rotation with one of the four Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regions updated each year. These data are not updated on a statewide level annually.