The short-term effect of total predation exclusion on wild rabbit abundance in restocking plots
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Published source details
Guerrero-Casado J., Ruiz-Aizpurua L. & Tortosa F.S. (2013) The short-term effect of total predation exclusion on wild rabbit abundance in restocking plots. Acta Theriologica, 58, 415-418.
Published source details Guerrero-Casado J., Ruiz-Aizpurua L. & Tortosa F.S. (2013) The short-term effect of total predation exclusion on wild rabbit abundance in restocking plots. Acta Theriologica, 58, 415-418.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use fencing to exclude predators or other problematic species Action Link |
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Use fencing to exclude predators or other problematic species
A replicated, controlled study in 2010 at a site in Sierra Morena, Spain (Guerrero-Casado et al. 2013) found that the abundance of translocated European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus was higher in areas fenced to exclude both terrestrial carnivores and raptors (top-closed) than in areas only accessible to raptors (top-open) during the six weeks after release. The weekly abundance of rabbits in top-closed plots (1.2-4.8 pellet abundance index) was higher than in top-open plots (0.7-3.2 pellet abundance index). The highest difference in rabbit abundance between top-closed and top-open plots was attained in the first 2 weeks. Five 0.5-ha plots, close together, were fenced (0.5 m below and 2 m above the ground with two electric wires and a floppy overhang) to exclude terrestrial carnivores. Each had five artificial warrens. Two plots had top net (top-closed) and three had no top net (top-open). Twenty-five adult wild rabbits (20 female) were released in each exclosure in February 2010. Rabbit abundance was estimated through pellet counts in 20 fixed 0.5-m2 circular sampling sites each week for six weeks after translocation.
(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)
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