Convenio con la Universidad de León - Changes on the activity patterns of wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) due to the weather
ORAL COMMUNICATION
CHANGES ON THE ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF WILD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) DUE TO THE WEATHER.
DÍEZ C., PÉREZ J. A., BARTOLOMÉ D. J., PRIETO R., GAUDIOSO V. R., ALONSO M. E.
Dpt. Animal Production II. Faculty de Veterinary Medicine. University of León. Spain.
Abstract.
The objective of this work is to assess the effect of the weather changes on the activity biorhythms of the European rabbit.The study was carried out in the Province of Valladolid (N.W. Spain) over 2 consecutive years.
An analysis was undertaken of the daily activity of two populations of wild rabbits, formed initially by seven animals, two males and five females, all adults and kept in conditions of semi-liberty in two separate enclosures of 0.5 hectares. The animals were individually marked with a microchip. Each enclosure was divided into two areas: a smaller area for shelter and refuge and a larger feeding area. Communication was possible between the two areas through two exits in each one of the enclosures. Moreover, two detection devices, with a microchip reader, were positioned at each exit. On the other hand, a weather station collected daily data.
The average daily temperature and the relative humidity of the air proved to be the most determinant factors. However, they showed modifications depending on the sex of the animals and the time of the year. In this sense, it was proved that the rabbits are more active when there are not extreme temperatures, high humidities or strong winds.
Key words: biorhythms, European rabbit, microchip.
Acknowledgements.
We would like to thank the "Excma. Diputación Provincial de Valladolid (Spain)", for financial support and permission to work on its land "Finca Coto Bajo Matallana", in a common project with our University Department entitled "Autochthonous Cynegetic Species Reproduction".