Characteristics and food habits of an invading population of European rabbits in high-elevation shrubland of Haleakala National Park
Cole FR, Loope LL, Canter SJ, Medeiros AC. 1991. Characteristics and food habits of an invading population of European rabbits in high-elevation shrubland of Haleakala National Park. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 72(2; Program and Abstracts):91
A population of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) at 2070-2140m elevation in Haleakala National Park is considered to have originated from as few as six domestic rabbits released in October 1989. The apparent low level of predation and abundant food supply in the high-elevation shrubland enabled this population to multiply at least 12-fold during the following year. Rapid expansion continued until discovery by park personnel and initiation of an effective control program. As of 12 January 1991, 94 rabbits had been removed through snaring, shooting, and trapping. Observations revealed browsing on native shrubs. Stomach analyses confirmed consumption of primarily native shrub and non-native herbaceous dicot species, 72% of the diet; grasses, especially non-native species, comprised the remaining 28%, The threat to the endemic flora from an expanding European rabbit population make its eradication the highest park priority.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Cole, F; Loope, Lloyd; Canter, Seth; Medeiros, Arthur
- Units
- HALE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Biological Invasions, european rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Exotic Species, Feeding, HI, Mau`i