Harry, this is most excellent.
Attached is the original description. �Note that, as would be expected, it is both larger and paler than its counterparts. �This fits in with several other sub species such as�Ipswich Sparrows, Atlantic Song Sparrows, and Beach Vole that get overlooked as occurring in the NE (unlike all those beach mice in the south). �Pointing out that there are more than ponies to protect on these islands.�
sam
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From: Harry Armistead <harryarmistead...>
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Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 3:27 PM
Subject: [MDBirding] Smith Island unique rabbit
SMITH ISLAND , VIRGINIA , UNIQUE RABBIT.
�
Though to be extinct is the Hitchens�s Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus hitchensi), a race of Eastern Cottontail known only from a few specimens from Smith and Fisherman islands, Virginia .� I don�t know much about trinomials but wonder if it shouldn�t be floridianus hitchensii?� But who am I to question Mearns? ��
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Named by Edgar A. Mearns, the Mearns of the Mearns Quail, in Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum, vol. 39, no. 1784, pp. 227-230, �Description of a new rabbit from islands off the coast of Virginia .��
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This rabbit is named after Capt. George D. Hitchens who was �commanding the life-saving station at Smiths Island � (p. 227).
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Many of you have spent time on Smith and Fisherman islands, especially as participants of the Cape Charles Christmas Bird Count, 1965-2012.� Please let me know if you may have seen any cottontails (and when).� Several recent surveys have not turned any up.
�
This race is thought to have become extinct either because of high water events and/or myxomatosis, a disease spread by pox viruses that affects wild and domestic rabbits.�
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I am indebted to Curtis Badger, Barry Truitt, and Raymond Dueser for information on this.� I�d heard rumors about there being a unique rabbit subspecies out there.� Their helpful information confirmed this.
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Six specimens were collected from 1897 to 1910 by William Palmer, Charles W. Richmond, Edgar A. Mearns, and J. H. Riley (skull only for the latter collector).
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In measurements of 9 different features hitchensi was slightly larger in all 9 than mallurus race individuals collected from Raleigh , NC .
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Please forward this to anyone who might be helpful.� Thanks.
�
I lack e-mail addresses for Rick Kellam and Peter Pyle.� Wayne, whoops, your name got in their my mistake & I don't want to have to crank in all the addresses again.
�
Best to all. � Harry Armistead, Philadelphia .
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