Winter diet, habitat selection and fluctuation of a mountain hare Lepus timidus population in Finnish Forest Lapland

摘要: Composition of the winter diet, habitat selection and population fluctuations in mountain hare Lepus timidus were studied Viirri6tunturi fell area, Eastern Finnish Forest Lapland, during winters 1968/69-1984/85. The three lows recorded this 17-year period followed each other at intervals 4 8 years. During hares occurred only most favoured (forest-covered) habitats two them they behaved according to concept refuge theory. birch Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa appeared be important, but not food item. When crashed, proportion diet decreased, was replaced especially by juniper which is one secondary items (and for reason often discarded although cut). It suggested that quality and/or quantity (i.e. pastures) are driving forces fluctuation area.