Selective Predation by Eagle Owls Bubo bubo on Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus: Age and Sex Preferences

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Abstract
During 1980-85 we compared the age and sex composition of rabbits in wild populations with those in the diet of eagle owls in two areas of northern Spain. Relative frequencies of different classes of rabbit were determined by live trapping with muzzled ferrets and nets. Their distribution in eagle owl pellets was assessed by bone morphology and biometry. Owls actively selected young rabbits (< 500 g) in summer and autumn and subadults (501-1000 g) in autumn and winter. Adults (> 1000 g) were avoided throughout the year. Predation on young rabbits was higher in arid areas with scarce vegetation, and males were more likely to be taken than females. Factors that might be important in determining the differential selection of ages and sexes are discussed.