Energy expenditure and prey requeriments of free-ranging iberian lynx in southwestern Spain

Abstract

We developed an additive model to estimate seasonal energy expenditure of nonreproductive, free-ranging Iberian lynx (Felis pardina) at Doñana National Park in southwestern Spain. We considered only resting, locomotion, hunting, and eating costs. Data for the model were provided by radiomonitoring an adult male (15.4 kg) and an adult female (9.95 kg) in 24-hour samples (a = 53) between 1983 and 1985. Average daily energy expenditure was 912 kcal for the male and 673 kcal for the female, with greater seasonal va.t..o in the male. Based oa the energy cos’act of the lynx’s suse p’ey, the Europea’. abbtt (Oryctolagus coniculus), we estimated the prey requis’ements of this endangered felid as about 1 rabbit per day.