Predation of Lepus europaeus (LAGOMORPHA: LEPORIDAE) by Bubo virginianus (STRIGIFORMES: STRIGIDAE) in far southern Brazil
Keywords:
Lebre européia, jacurutu, APA do Ibirapuitã, bioma Pampa.Abstract
Biological invasions are among the main threats to global biodiversity. They severely modify ecosystems by introducing diseases, predators and increasing direct competition for resources with native species; they also affect public health and rural economy. The expansion of cultivated areas favors the population explosion of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) on the lowlands of the Pampa biome. This increase in population size is caused by the reduction of potential predators due to hunting pressure, roadkills and habitat loss. Therefore, the present work aims to confirm that the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) preys upon the exotic hare L. europaeus in Ibirapuitã Environmental Protection Area, Santana do Livramento municipality, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil.Downloads
Published
2010-05-18
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Articles