The European Hare (Lepus europaeus): A Picky Herbivore Searching for Plant Parts Rich in Fat.

ABSTRACT: European hares of both sexes rely on fat reserves, particularly during the reproduc-tive season. Therefore, hares should select dietary plants rich in fat and energy. However, hares also require essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to reproduce and survive. Although hares are able to absorb PUFA selectively in their gastrointestinal tract, it is unknown whether this mechanism is sufficient to guarantee PUFA supply. Thus, diet selection may involve a trade-off between a preference for energy versus a preference for crucial nutrients, namely PUFA. We compared plant and nutrient availability and use by hares in an arable landscape in Austria over three years. We found that European hares selected their diet for high energy cont

SUBMITTER: Schai-Braun SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4521881 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature