Homogeneous habitat can meet the discrete and varied resource requirements of hares but may set an ecological trap


Autoria(s): Reid, Neil; McDonald, Robbie; Montgomery, Ian
Data(s)

01/07/2010

Resumo

In common with other farmland species, hares (Lepus spp.) are in widespread decline in agricultural landscapes due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss. We examined the importance of habitat heterogeneity to the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) in a pastoral landscape. We used radio-tracking during nocturnal active and diurnal inactive periods throughout one year. In autumn, winter and spring, hares occupied a heterogeneous combination of improved grassland, providing food, and Juncus-dominated rough pasture, providing refuge. In summer, hares significantly increased their use of improved grassland. This homogeneous habitat can fulfil the discrete and varied resource requirements of hares for feeding and shelter at certain times of year. However, improved grassland may be a risky habitat for hares as silage harvesting occurs during their peak birthing period of late spring and early summer. We therefore posit the existence of a putative ecological trap inherent to a homogeneous habitat of perceived high value that satisfies the hares' habitat requirements but which presents risks at a critical time of year. To test this hypothesis in relation to hare populations, work is required to provide data on differential leveret mortality between habitat types.

Identificador

http://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/homogeneous-habitat-can-meet-the-discrete-and-varied-resource-requirements-of-hares-but-may-set-an-ecological-trap(c8a56a53-4b25-47a5-ad8d-517b138759a8).html

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2010.03.041

http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77954834521&partnerID=8YFLogxK

Idioma(s)

eng

Direitos

info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess

Fonte

Reid , N , McDonald , R & Montgomery , I 2010 , ' Homogeneous habitat can meet the discrete and varied resource requirements of hares but may set an ecological trap ' Biological Conservation , vol 143 , no. 7 , pp. 1701-1706 . DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2010.03.041

Palavras-Chave #Grassland management #Home ranging behaviour #Irish hare #Lepus timidus #Radiotelemetry #/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1105 #Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics #/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2300/2309 #Nature and Landscape Conservation
Tipo

article