Habitat overlap between sympatric European hares ( Lepus europaeus ) and Eastern cottontails ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) in northern Italy

摘要: In northern Italy, the range of Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) largely overlaps with that native European hare (Lepus europaeus) on Po Plain. Both species appear to have similar habitat requirements. We studied selection by hares and cottontails during feeding activity from September 2006 August 2007 in two areas where they occur alone (allopatry) one area together (sympatry). The three were basically similar, so shifts use observed sympatry should reflect response interspecific competition. Habitat was examined at micro- macro-habitat levels throughout seasons. breadth both followed change resource availability through seasons allopatry as well sympatry. No evident level, even autumn which limiting season. Exploitation shared habitats seems be promoted differential micro-habitat within types. Cottontails used woods dense understory greater proportion than hares, their present sites concentrated maximum distance 20 m nearest shelter site. Hares more likely exploit crops, distributed 80 away permanent cover patches. heterogeneity agricultural ecosystems could buffer negative effects external factors (climate, human disturbance predation) enhance chances exploitation species.