Studies on the European hare. 39. Population dynamics and habitat selection of the European hare on poplar monocultures in northern Italy

Abstract

Drive censuses were carried out in March and November of each year from 1981 to 1987 to assess the spring and autumn densities of European hare Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778, in a protected area (375 ha) covered with poplar groves in the middle Po plain (northern Italy). Besides, line-transect censuses were made in 1986 and 1987 to record seasonal changes in density. Habitat selection was studied by comparing densities of resting hares and the frequency of observation of hares in activity in different habitats. The average recorded densities were 52.6 hares/km2 (SD = 35.97) in spring and 38.1 (SD = 16.57) in autumn. The anomalous annual trend characterised by decreases from spring to autumn and increases from autumn to spring was explained by changes in food availability, which cause movements towards other zones surrounding the study area. The estimates of seasonal density showed that the decrease begins in late summer and will continue till late winter. The analysis of the habitat preferences showed a separation between feeding areas and resting areas.