Selection of resting sites by the European hare as related to habitat characteristics during agricultural changes

摘要: The decline of the European hare Lepus europaeus populations has been shown to be correlated with agricultural intensification, which caused loss habitat heterogeneity. We aimed investigate diurnal spring selection using Jacobs’ second index in an intensively cultivated farmland reveal how choice by resting hares was affected changes availability. Clearance counts driven out known areas were made during 11-year field investigation within two sectors a private hunting ground located Paris basin (France). heterogeneity included disappearance pastures dedicated last remaining sheep farm area, removal non-cropped and boundaries increase mean size. Breeding stocks declined study. Harrowed fields always avoided. Pastures, alfalfa fields, thickets fallow land selected at start our study, whereas part avoided end. preference for ploughed decreased growth vegetation winter-wheat fields. To benefit hares, management should provide year-round vegetative cover food from intensive arable farms.