Environmental factors influencing the seasonal daily activity of the european rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus) in a mediterranean area

Abstract

Activity pattern of European wild rabbits has been studied in a Mediterranean ecosystem of SW Iberian Peninsula, from where they are a native species. The daily activity pattern of rabbits in the area is similar to those found in other countries where the species has been introduced : high activity at night and at twilights, and scarce activity by day. However, this general pattern shows seasonal changes probably related to environmental conditions and antipre-datory strategies. Changes in rabbits activity are correlated mainly with temperature, but sunlight, moonlight, and wind also affectit. Variations of activity pattern suggest that controlling mechanisms are flexible enough to allow adaptations to changing environments. © 1993, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.