Effectiveness of habitat management in the recovery of low-density populations of wild rabbit
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Published source details
Godinho S., Mestre F., Ferreira J., Machado R. & Santos P. (2013) Effectiveness of habitat management in the recovery of low-density populations of wild rabbit. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 59, 847-858.
Published source details Godinho S., Mestre F., Ferreira J., Machado R. & Santos P. (2013) Effectiveness of habitat management in the recovery of low-density populations of wild rabbit. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 59, 847-858.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide artificial refuges/breeding sites Action Link |
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Provide artificial refuges/breeding sites
A study in 2007–2009 of a mixed woodland, scrub and agricultural area in southern Portugal (Godinho et al. 2013) found that installing artificial warrens, along with other habitat management, increased presence and abundance of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus. Rabbit presence and abundance were each higher within 100 m of artificial warrens than at greater distances (data reported as statistical model results). Rabbit numbers increased steadily through the study and artificial warrens achieved a 64% occupancy rate by 2009. A range of habitat management actions for rabbits was carried out from 2006 to 2009. These comprised managing scrubland, creating pastures and building 28 artificial warrens (constructed from wood pallets and vegetation remains, covered with soil). Rabbit presence and relative abundance were determined through latrine counts in 45 plots, located around two areas of rabbit activity. Counts were carried out in most months from July 2007 to June 2009.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
