Hares in Corsica: high prevalence of Lepus corsicanus and hybridization with introduced L. europaeus and L. granatensis

摘要: The Italian hare, Lepus corsicanus, was first described in Corsica more than 100 years ago, but the knowledge on status of species this island remains scarce. Moreover, frequent introductions thousands individuals from other hare species, namely europaeus and granatensis, into are known to have occurred an updated assessment prevalence L. corsicanus is therefore utmost importance. Here, estimate relative present Corsica, we conducted a molecular analysis 67 samples collected by hunters between 2002 2007 36 Corsican communes. Sequencing portions nuclear gene transferrin control region mitochondrial DNA allowed classifying most as belonging (70.1%). Of sampled communes, 86.1% contained while only 11.1%, present. Three analyzed specimens showed inconsistent assignment markers suggesting hybrid origin: × europaeus, granatensis. two cases hybridization had never been nature, even studies focusing hares Italy where often sympatric. These results stress real risk corrosion native pool via with introduced species. We highlight need urgently rethinking management plan populations Corsica.