The response of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) to an outbreak of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease

摘要: The Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is a generalist predator that in Mediterranean areas feeds mainly on Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) At the end of 1997, local outbreak rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) decimated Rabbit populations area Alicante (eastern Spain) so numbers 1998 crashed to almost nil. Prior we had found 19 occupied territories, and owls been feeding Rabbits. After RHD epidemic, only six territories were still Diet composition was very similar between periods, indicating did not diversify their diet response main prey scarcity. No significant differences proportion suggesting impact predation may be independent density (type I functional response). This typically associated with predators. In after outbreaks, took substantial Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Red-legged Partridges (Alectoris rufa). Rats (Rattus spp), common alternative prey, taken study area. Six breeding attempts recorded before RHD, none RHD. leads believe combination Hedgehog Partridge availability readier sick allowed small population survive area, but breeding. predator-prey system formed by Owls regions more fragile than previously thought.