scholarly journals What Are the Keys to the Adaptive Success of European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Iberian Peninsula?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2453
Author(s):  
Pablo Jesús Marín-García ◽  
Lola Llobat
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Ecological Management ◽  
Ecological Role ◽  
Wide Adaptation ◽  
European Rabbits ◽  
Specific Conservation

The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) plays an important ecological role in the ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Recently, rabbit populations have drastically reduced, so the species is now considered endangered. However, in some places, this animal is considered a pest. This is the conservation paradox of the 21st century: the wild rabbit is both an invasive alien and an endangered native species. The authors of this review aimed to understand the keys to the adaptive success of European rabbits, addressing all aspects of their biology in order to provide the keys to the ecological management of this species. Aspects including nutrition, genetics, immunity interactions with the environment, behaviour, and conflict with human activities were reviewed. Ultimately, rabbits are resilient and adaptable. The main adaptations that explain the rabbit’s adaptive success are its nutrition (wide adaptation to food and good nutritional use of caecotrophy), immune system (powerful and developed), and other aspects related to genetics and behaviour. Rabbits’ relationship with humans has led them to colonise other places where they have become pests. Despite these adaptations, populations in native places have been drastically reduced in recent years. Since it serves as a bastion of the Mediterranean ecosystem, a specific conservation program for this species must be carried out. Therefore, a study of the rabbit’s response to diseases and nutrition (especially protein), as well as the interaction between them, is of special interest.

scholarly journals Seasonality of Coxiella burnetii among Wild Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidae) in a Meso-Mediterranean Ecosystem

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
María Sánchez ◽  
Félix Valcárcel ◽  
Julia González ◽  
Marta G. González ◽  
Raquel Martín-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Sylvatic Cycle ◽  
Almost Everywhere ◽  
In The Wild

(1) Background: Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that have cases reported in humans and animals almost everywhere. The aim of this study was to describe the seasonality of Coxiella burnetii in the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the tick Hyalomma lusitanicum in a meso-Mediterranean ecosystem. (2) Methods: two populations of wild rabbits that differ in whether or not they share habitat with ungulates, mainly red deer (Cervus elaphus) were sampled for a year to collect ticks, blood and vaginal or anal swabs. Presence of C. burnetii DNA in swabs and the tick H. lusitanicum was determined by PCR and serum antibodies by ELISA. (3) Results: C. burnetii DNA was detected in 47.2% of 583 rabbits, in 65.5% of sera, and in more than half of the H. lusitanicum. There were small variations according to sex and age of the rabbits but significant according to the habitat (4) Conclusions: The results indicate that C. burnetii circulates freely between wild rabbits and H. lusitanicum and the sylvatic cycle in meso-Mediterranean environments relies in the presence of wild rabbits and H. lusitanicum above all if sharing habitat with red deer.

scholarly journals Use of water troughs by wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a farmland area of north–west Spain

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Armenteros ◽  
◽  
C. Sánchez–García ◽  
M. E. Alonso ◽  
R. T. Larsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Alectoris Rufa ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Shrub Cover ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Game Species ◽  
North West ◽  
Small Game

Installation of water troughs is a common approach to increase densities of small game species in the Iberian peninsula but little is known about the watering patterns of target species, such as the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Using camera trapping, we monitored the use of water troughs by wild rabbits over 228 weeks in three consecutive periods, from June to October in 2008, 2009 and 2010, on farmland in north–west Spain. Wild rabbits used 43% of the water troughs. A significantly higher number of rabbits were observed drinking at troughs surrounded by shrub cover than at those in open fields. Most drinking events were recorded from July to September (98%), though the use of water troughs was not clearly related to weather. Wild rabbits drank mainly during the morning (52% of rabbits), less so in the evening and at night, and rarely in the afternoon. Wild rabbits were photographed together with red–legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) in 6% of photographs. These findings suggest water troughs are useful for species such as wild rabbits and should be allocated close to shrub areas.

Seasonal variation in the reproductive activity of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) in a Mediterranean ecosystem

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Gonçalves ◽  
P. C. Alves ◽  
A. Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Daily Sperm Production

To establish a successful strategy for managing wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) populations it is essential to have a clear understanding of reproductive biology. In Portugal, previous work suggested a seasonal pattern of reproductive activity for this species. In this study we present additional information on the seasonal reproductive activity of the wild rabbit as well as data on the influence that environmental factors have on the onset and length of the breeding season. The study was carried out in Pancas, southern Portugal, from October 1997 to September 1998. Rabbits were collected every two months and post mortem analyses were performed. In the males, circulating concentration of testosterone, gonadal weight, daily sperm production, diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of epithelial cells were measured. The numbers of corpora lutea, embryos and placental scars were recorded in the females. To assess abundance and quality of food, samples of herbaceous vegetation were collected and analysed for water, fibre and crude protein content. The reproductive season extended from November to June with a peak in March/April, with both sexes showing an annual cycle of gonadal development and subsequent regression. All analysed females were pregnant and/or lactating between March and June. The mean litter size estimated by counting the embryos in the uteri was 3.90 ± 0.50. Daily sperm production was highest between November and April. Testicular function was strongly correlated with environmental temperature and the water content of the vegetation, and both testicular and ovarian development were correlated with vegetation biomass.

Coccidiosis in European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) populations in the Iberian Peninsula

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Marques Silva ◽  
Catarina Ferreira ◽  
Joana Paupério ◽  
Rodolfo Miguel Silva ◽  
Paulo Célio Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is a keystone species from the Iberian Peninsula where viral diseases have played a prominent role in regulating their populations. Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused primarily by Eimeria spp., is also thought to have important negative effects. However, few studies have investigated the impact of coccidia on wild European rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula. Here we estimate coccidian prevalence in rabbit faecal samples collected along transects established in two ecological regions. Six Eimeria species, with different pathogenicity, were identified (E. coecicola, E. perforans, E media, E. magna, E. irresidua and E. flavescens). Species diversity varied significantly between regions although mean oocyst excretion levels were generally low in both areas (57.61 s.d.±78.07 and 17.03 s.d.±27.72, oocyst per gram of rabbit faeces). This study is the first to describe the composition of the Eimeria spp. assemblage for wild rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula and provides fundamental information for future studies on the potential interaction of viral and parasitic diseases.

Observations upon some common cestode parasites of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus

Parasitology ◽  
1940 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. M. R. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuations ◽  
Image Position ◽  
First Time

1. Between November 1936 and February 1937, ninety-six rabbits were examined, whilst between August 1937 and July 1938, 446 rabbits were examined for cestode parasites. The rabbits were obtained from the same area.2. The rabbits were infected with the following cestodes to the extent given, for the two periods respectively:3. Two species of the genus Hymenolepis are recorded for the first time from the rabbit, and they are briefly described.4. The seasonal fluctuations in the incidence of the above cestodes are discussed.5. The span of life of both Cittotaenia pectinata and C. denticulata is seen to be not greater than 10 months, and evidence is given to show that the intermediate host of C. denticulata is available between April and December, and that of C. pectinata from August to April.6. Evidence of host and age resistance is demonstrated in Cysticercus pisiformis.

scholarly journals PCR Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Portugal

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1926
Author(s):  
Catarina Coelho ◽  
Madalena Vieira-Pinto ◽  
Anabela Vilares ◽  
Maria João Gargaté ◽  
Manuela Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Zoonotic Parasite ◽  
Central Portugal ◽  
Sag2 Gene ◽  
Rabbit Meat ◽  
Meat Samples

Wildlife plays an important role in the epidemiological cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can be a source of infection to wild and domestic hosts, including human beings. Additionally, as an herbivorous animal, the European wild rabbit may also be a sentinel of environmental contamination with T. gondii and, consequently, an indicator of the potential transmission of this parasite. The purpose of the present work was to detect T. gondii DNA in European wild rabbit from central Portugal, as well as the possible implications for public health. Heart and diaphragm samples were obtained from 28 rabbits hunted in central Portugal. Nested PCR separately amplified the 5′ and 3′ ends of the surface antigen 2 (SAG2) gene. T. gondii DNA was detected in 19 out of the 28 sampled animals, resulting in a prevalence of 67.9%. These results show that T. gondii infection occurs in European wild rabbit and therefore may pose a potential risk for humans if consumed as raw or undercooked meat. Measures should be taken in order to prevent infection by this zoonotic parasite and for the conservation of wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study performed by means of PCR on T. gondii in European wild rabbit meat samples.

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