Regulation of the Size of the Breeding Population of the European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, by Social Behaviour

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Rabbits were trapped and recaptured at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve [Scotland, UK] from May 1976-March 1978. The size of the breeding population seemed to be established during Jan. and Feb., when the rabbits show first signs of reproductive condition. The breeding population have larger home-ranges than the surplus and are caught more often. A group of rabbits in an enclosure seemed to regulate the size of their breeding population in Jan. and Feb. The social behavior of these animals was studied in detail, and there was a significant correlation between survival and social status. The argument supported the artificial control of rabbits in late Feb. and March, after the onset of reproductive condition, when there are no surplus rabbits to replace those removed from the established breeding population.