Playboy Bunnies Close to Extinction
June 29, 2009
Endangered bunnies named after Playboy founder Hugh Hefner just received a boost. Not from Hefner this time, but from University of Central Florida experts who are working to save the rabbits.
(Credit for images: Rosanna Tursi)
Graduate teaching assistant Rosanna Tursi is using population genetics to aid in the conservation of the bunnies, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri, which are Florida Lower Keys marsh rabbits. They were declared
endangered in 1990. It's estimated that less than 300 of the rabbits remain today.
Hefneri is the most recently recognized subspecies of the marsh rabbit. It's small with short, dark brown fur and a grayish-white belly. Discovered in 1984, the subspecies was named in honor of Hefner after
his organization donated money to support fieldwork on the rabbits. Good for Hef!
His namesake bunnies live in an island environment and are dependent on specific grasses and plants for feeding, nesting and shelter. Population growth and development in their area has led to the death of the bunnies at the hands of vehicles or domestic animals. Their natural habitat also is being destroyed.
Tursi believes the ability of a species to adapt to new conditions depends on the variety of genetic information present in natural populations. The more genetic diversity a species has, the greater its
rate of survival is.
“The loss of genetic diversity can have long-term repercussions by affecting the evolutionary potential of the species,” Tursi said.
She and colleagues from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Big Pine Key, landed a grant to study the bunnies. They're conducting fieldwork this summer in the Everglades and Florida Keys.
The USFWS hopes to identify rabbits from the most genetically diverse populations, relocate them and create a new population in a habitat where the bunnies are less likely to be disturbed.
“Nature and conservation of wildlife have always been my passion, and I wanted to use my molecular and genetic knowledge to help endangered species,” Tursi explained.
She hopes her work will serve as “a model for future conservation and reintroduction efforts.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are 41 endangered species in Florida. Species become endangered after they experience a significant vulnerability to habitat
modification, environmental alteration or human disturbance, which results in the existence of the species becoming threatened unless appropriate protective or management techniques are used. Several projects are in the works at UCF to help nine other threatened animals in the sunshine state.
Just turn them loose on Florida's golf courses and they'll thrive. We have so many bunnies grazing on our golf courses in AZ, I'm surprised there are any courses left.
Posted by: Tom | June 29, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Ahhhh, they are so cute! I want one. I am going to name him "bun bun".
ER
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Posted by: Johnny Five | June 30, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Extremely unfortunate. The US gov should open up a sanctuary across various states that are dedicated to keeping in tact spaces that these animals can reside on in relative security. They could also charge money for tours of these areas allowing for some money to be made as tourist and recreational attractions.
Posted by: Television Spy | June 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Yes that is a great idea because I am sure the general public cant wait to spend their hard earned money to see a rabbit hopping around. Save the Rabbits!
Posted by: Realist | June 30, 2009 at 01:04 PM
Total Farkers get all the best tail!
Posted by: FARKER | June 30, 2009 at 01:05 PM
"Yes that is a great idea because I am sure the general public cant wait to spend their hard earned money to see a rabbit hopping around. Save the Rabbits!"
Yes thats the spirit! Lets let all endagered species go extict, who needs them.
Posted by: Hates stupid people | June 30, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Those rabbits are so adorable!
Posted by: Kayla | June 30, 2009 at 03:24 PM
If people would start eating them we would have plenty of cute little bunnies.thats why chickens arent endangered, and rabbit is good eating,my grand mother used to make it in a iron skilett with gravy and biscuts /OMG!
Posted by: m.downing | June 30, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I don't think I've seen so many redneck responses to something as tragic as a species of animals on the brink of extinction.
Bring the bunnies to California. We'll take care of them.
Posted by: grrr | July 01, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Rabbits are VERY loving creatures. THey are very peaceful and quiet. They just want to live a happy life without being preyed on. I have 2 pet rabbits and they're just as loving as a dog or cat. I'm all for saving endangered species especially wild rabbit species.
Posted by: Juice | November 07, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Completely agree with you, Juice. A friend of mine has rabbits and they are the most loving, loyal pets. It takes a bit of time to make a connection with them, but once that happens, rabbits are your buddies for life.
Posted by: Jennifer Viegas | November 07, 2009 at 10:57 AM