First findings of brown hare (Lepus europaeus) reintroduction in relation to seasonal impact.

ABSTRACT: In Europe, brown hare (Lepus europaeus) populations have been declining steadily since the 1970s. Gamekeepers can help to support brown hare wild populations by releasing cage-reared hares into the wild. Survival rates of cage-reared hares has been investigated in previous studies, however, survival times in relation to seasonality, which likely plays a crucial role for the efficacy of this management strategy, has not been evaluated. Here we examine the survival duration and daytime home ranges of 22 hares released and radio-tracked during different periods of the year in East Bohemia, Czech Republic. The majority of hares (82%) died within the first six months after release, and 41% individuals died within the first 10 days. Significant differences were found in the duration of survival

SUBMITTER: Cukor J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6179284 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature