Environmental factors influencing the seasonal daily activity of the european rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a Mediterranean area

Abstract

Activity patterns of european wild rabbits has been studies in a Mediterranean ecosystem of SW Iberian peninsula, from where they are a native species. The daiky activity pattern of rabbits in the area is similar to those found in other countries where the species has benn introduced: hign acitivity at night and at twilights, and scarce activity by day. However, this general patterns shows seasonal changes probably related to enbironmental conditions and antipredatory strategies. Changes in rabbits are correlated mainly with temperature, but sunlight, moonlight and wind also affectit. Variations of activity pattern suggest that controlling mechanisms are flexible enough to allow adaptations to changing environments