Heavy flooding effects on home range and habitat selection of free-ranging Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in Doñana National Park (SW Spain)

Abstract

The Iberian hare Lepus granatensis is a common and abundant species throughout the Iberian Peninsula; however, studies documenting its ecology are scarce. Between August 1996 and September 1997, after a long drought, we studied the effects of a widespread flood on the Iberian hare ecology in ecotone pastures of Doñana National Park. Hares were captured using vertical nets through part of 1996 and 1997. Fourteen adult hares (nine females and five males) were tagged with radiocollars and located by triangulation on a daily basis at least once a week. Habitat use was estimated using a geographical information system. The average home range size was 28 ha for males and 24 ha for females. No significant differences were observed between sexes. Significant differences were observed in the use of scrub areas and in dry pastures. During the dry and wet seasons, males and females were most often located in the pastures of the ecotone, rush stands and scrub. The dense bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and seaside bulrush (Scirpus maritimus) communities were avoided. These results are the first on the spatial ecology of this species in its native habitat. C ommunicated by: Matt W. Hayward

Long‐term patterns in Iberian hare population dynamics in a protected area (Doñana National Park) in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula: Effects of weather conditions and plant cover

“…In 1997, however, there was a dramatic drop in the abundance index due to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. After the long droughts of 1999-2000, a widespread peak in Iberian hare abundance occurred in 2001 in the ecotone after a series of rainy months obliged hares to move from the marshland into the ecotone (Carro et al 2011).…”

“…In the Doñana National Park, the marshland is a typical habitat of Iberian hares (Valverde 1960(Valverde , 1967. In this habitat, hares are restricted during periods of flooding to the vetas, the scattered, slightly higher elevations (0.40-1.2 m) that range in surface area from just a few dozen square meters to a few hectares (Carro et al 2011).…”

Effects of Population Declines on Habitat Segregation and Activity Patterns of Rabbits and Hares in Doñana National Park, Spain

“…[65,66]. Further, the abundance of hares in DNP may have been controlled by such factors as seasonal habitat reduction (i.e., the flooding of the marshland [67]), direct interference by rabbits (i.e., agonistic interactions [21]), and infestation by stomach parasites (17].…”