r year. Predators include weasels, coyote, badgers, bobcats, raptors, and humans, as many hunters cant distinguish them from other rabbit species. It is suggested that areas of tall sagebrush, a specialized habitat requirement, can be promoted by disturbances such as ungulate grazing and perhaps even by the burrowing and feeding activities of the rabbits themselves. Pygmy rabbit populations are patchily distributed within the Great Basin in areas dominated by tall, bushes and loose, deep soil. Organism 5: American peregrine falconScientific Name: Falco peregrinus anatum The peregrine falcon is said to be the fastest bird in the world. This crow size raptor is dark black with a white chest. One of its most distinctive features is its black mask. This species is in currently endangered. The decline of peregrines is largely attributed to the use of DDT, other pesticides or human development. Falcons died as well as eggshell thinning when they consumed birds that had ingested pesticide-treated insects, vegetation, seeds, or other items. American peregrine falcons hunt in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, coastlines and wetlands. Their hunting style is dramatic--an incredibly fast aerial attack (clocked at up to 200mph!) that stuns or kills a bird upon impact. Historically, cliffs were preferred nesting sights for this falcon, but today many reintroduced birds nest on high-rise buildings and other high metropolitan structures, feeding on the seemingly endless supply of pigeons found in most urban areas. Captive breeding, reintroduction, and habitat protection of this species have proven to be effective forms of recovery as populations within Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and many other states, are making dramatic comebacks. Organism 6: Oregon Spotted Frog Scientific Name: Rana pretiosaThis medium sized frog that can be reddish-brown, tan, or olive-green, with irregular-shaped black spots on its back, sides and leg...
