Spatial ecology of Iberian lynx and abundance of European rabbits in southwestern Spain

摘要: Spatial ecology and diet of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) the abundance its main prey, European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), were studied in southwestern Spain from December 1992 to 1996 when a decline populations occurred. Our objectives relate spatial abundance, water availability, protection human disturbance. Rabbits almost sole prey lynx; remains present 99.2% (n = 1,171) feces analyzed. Rabbit density 6 different habitats estimated by line transect sampling. more abundant Mediterranean scrubland, closely followed ash stands. Pastureland lentiscus plantations had 4.5 times fewer rabbits, pine 15-20 than scrubland. Abundance rabbits scrubland was not spatially uniform, as for 1994 1995 varied 42-55/ha area close edge marsh (locally called Vera) 2-7/ha far Vera. 3.5 higher during spring autumn. A occurred numbers 72-91 % lower previous years. We mapped warren pastureland determine intra-habitat differences distribution rabbits. Warren density, entrance mean number entrances per declined significantly with distance Vera following negative exponential function (adj. r 2 ranging between 83 97%). However, none these variables showed any trend relation pastureland. The population contained three stable pairs adults plus young raised each year, some which remained on study subadults (older one year). seasonal ranged 7 17. Average adult young/subadult 0.77 (range 0.72-0.88) 0.46 individuals/km 0.07-1.12), respectively. home range daily movements changes that might be due sex, season, or changing density. On average, total size 7.3 km young, 9.5 females, 18.2 males. Mean core areas (60% isopleth using kernel approximation) average 15%, 10%, 34% ranges males, Significant found sizes among sex-age classes, but neither season nor year affected size. Daily averaged 8.0 km. traveled class years, traveling shorter distances 1993 1996. 1.46 , again only year. Lynx associated permanent, artificial sites. Habitat use remarkably constant, no detected active inactive locations, seasons, habitat most frequently used (53% locations), both it stands preferred eucalyptus avoided, marsh, avoided.