Predation risk, cover type, and group size in European rabbits in Donana [SW Spain]

• Autorzy: Villafuerte R. , Moreno S.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

As European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) in SW Spain face high prédation pressure, some antipredator tactics are expected. We examined rabbit group size in relation to the safety of the cover (sparse or dense), and the proximity to shrub cover. Stem density influenced the distance rabbits ventured from shrub; rabbits ventured greater distances when stem density in cover was higher. Rabbit group size was related to the distance to cover; solitary animals remained closer to protective cover, whereas rabbits in groups (> 3 animals) foraged further from cover. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the formation of rabbit groups is related to defense against prédation, and that group size is influenced by risk of perception.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

European rabbit; Oryctolagus cuniculus; predator; Danona; risk; habitat structure; group size; endemic population; rabbit; Spain

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 1997
• Tom: 42
• Numer: 2
• Opis fizyczny: p.225-230,fig.

Twórcy

autor

Villafuerte R.

• Estacion Biologica de Donana, CSIC. Apdo. 1056, Sevilla 41080, Spain; E-mail: [e-mail]

autor

Moreno S.

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