European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) restocking: effects on abundance and spatial distribution

Published source details Guil F., Higuero R. & Moreno‐Opo R. (2014) European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) restocking: effects on abundance and spatial distribution. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 38, 524-529.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release translocated/captive-bred mammals into area with artificial refuges/breeding sites Action Link

Release translocated/captive-bred mammals into area with artificial refuges/breeding sites

A before-and-after study in 2004–2007 in three mixed pasture and scrubland sites in southwest Spain (Guil et al. 2014) found that translocating European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus into areas with artificial refuges to supplement existing populations did not alter rabbit abundance, though populations persisted at two of three sites for at least three years. Three years after artificial warrens were built and rabbits were released, rabbit abundance was not significantly different to that before warrens were built (no data reported). In two of three sites, the rabbit population persisted for at least three years, but at one site no rabbits were seen three years after release. In 2004, at three sites, 20–72 artificial warren tubes were installed. In autumn 2004, wild translocated rabbits were released at each site and, in autumn 2005, more rabbits were released at two of the sites. In total, 150–387 rabbits were released at each site. Rabbit presence was detected at two of the sites before releases of translocated animals. In June–September of 2004–2007, rabbit droppings were counted along 10–12 transects, each 500 m long.

(Summarised by: Phil Martin)