engleski

The status of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) population in Međimurje region in the last 40 years

Based on data obtained from management plans for the last 40 years, the status of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) population in Međimurje region was analysed. Analysis of hunting - productive area, presented in management plans, showed that it has decreased for 62 %. In the same time period, from 1967 to 2005, continuous decline of hare abundance, number of offspring and hunting bag was determined. Population abundance in 2005 when compared to 1967 declined for 56 %. Population dynamics in that period is the best described by hunting bag records which has declined 9 times. In the period from 2004-2006 the research was conducted on three hunting grounds in Međimurje region (Mala Subotica, Hodošan, Čakovec.). Following the regular hunting operations 383 hares were handled. Based on the eye lens mass the age structure of hares was determined. The average rate of yearlings in selected hunting areas was 46.7 % of the total hare population. Reproduction index varied from 0.62 to 3.40 and reproduction coefficient from 0.62 to 1.54. Population density in spring varied between 15 and 23 individual hares per 100 hectares of hunting ground. Sex ratio varied from 0.39 to 0.69 depending on year. The average weight of hares according to age and gender ranged between 3.64 to 4.17 kg. The difference in weight among yearlings and older hares of both sexes was statistically significant (P<0.05)

hare (Lepus europaeus); eye lens; population dynamics; Međimurje

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