Abstract
European hare ( Lepus europaeus ) is a typical species of farmland habitat that has been negatively affected by agricultural intensification and, for this reason, may be considered a good indicator of farmland habitat quality. We carried out an exploratory analysis of hare abundance in 26 lowland farms in Tuscany, Central-Italy, with similar basic features (large estates with the same game management) but that differ for crops, landscape structure and farming options (organic vs. conventional farming). We used multiple regression analysis with theoretic information approach and multi-model inference to evaluate the effect of habitat variables and type of farming on hare abundance. Habitat structure (variety of crops) was the most important factor positively affecting hare abundance. We did not find a benefit of organic farming on this species; on the contrary, the highest hare densities were registered in conventional farms. Our findings suggest that organic farming regulations may fail to provide a sufficient habitat heterogeneity and, consequently, do not enhance wildlife abundance in farmland habitat. Click here to access supplementary files
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.