Interannual activity pattern of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in the coastal foothills of southern Chile

Abstract

The European hare Lepus europaeus is an exotic mammal with a wide distribution potential, suggesting the presence of highly flexible anti-predation mechanisms. Through the use of camera traps, the activity pattern of this species was studied for two years at a site of the coastal foothills in southern Chile. During the second year it was observed that the hare maintained a non-random pattern of activity in relation to the light periods of the day. This fact suggests the adoption of anti-predator strategies, considering the variation in the presence of their predators between both years. The effect of predation on the observed temporal patterns is discussed, as well as its population fluctuations in the long term, to describe the role of this lagomorph in this type of ecosystem.