Differential Habitat Use by Sexes of Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus)

Abstract

Habitat partitioning between sexes of snowshoe hares ( Lepus americanus ) was examined in relation to seasonal dominance patterns and other factors that influence intraspecific competition (population density, habitat quality, and habitat heterogeneity). Significant differences in microhabitat use between males and females were detected in three of the 12 comparisons made; males were associated with sites that had more understory cover and greater overstory cover, and females were at sites having a greater abundance of forage. Seasonal dominance and population density did not influence habitat segregation. Differences in use of habitats by males and females may have been a response to their different roles in reproduction.