Data from: Under cover: The nuanced influence of functional properties of cover on resource selection by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Animals at risk of predation select habitat that enhances security from
predators. Two properties of cover related to security are concealment
(i.e., habitat structure that blocks an individual from detection by
others) and visibility (i.e., visual information accessible relative to
habitat structure). Although these properties are often negatively
correlated, they are not always inverse; animals in habitat with
heterogenous structure maybe be able to select for both. We investigated
habitat use by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) at 2 scales (patch
and microsite) to evaluate the influence of both structural properties of
cover and visual properties (concealment and visibility) on habitat use by
prey. We contrasted vegetation structure at paired used and unused
patches. At each patch, we measured concealment and viewshed (i.e.,
visibility) in 3 orientations (i.e., aerial, terrestrial, and overall) and
structural density using lidar. We also measured heights of the 3 tallest
shrubs. Additionally, within used patches, we assessed the density of
fecal pellets as an index of intensity of use and also measured distance
to nearest burrow. At the patch scale, rabbits selected for structural
properties of cover (dense vegetation and tall shrubs), but not visual
properties of cover. Pygmy rabbits more intensively used microsites
associated with high terrestrial concealment and in proximity to burrows.
Our results suggest that pygmy rabbits may perceive greater threat from
terrestrial as opposed to aerial predators at both scales, and they also
indicate a nuanced relationship between properties of cover and habitat
use.