Population density and habitat use of introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) in comparison with the native European hare (Lepus europaeus)

Population density and habitat use of the introduced eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) compared to the native European hare (Lepus europaeus). Zoological Studies 50(3): 315-326. We summarized the distribution of the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) introduced into Italy and documented population densities of and habitat selection by the species compared to the native European hare (Lepus europaeus). The cottontail is presently in a large area in the northwestern part of the country, and there are other small populations in the northeastern and central parts. Cottontails were present in 13 surveyed areas with good populations, while hares were common in only some of them. Cottontails and hares partially differentiated the habitats they used as daily resting sites and during feeding activities. Natural herbaceous vegetation was used as resting sites by both species, but they differed in the use of shores by hares and shrubby areas by cottontails. During feeding, cottontails were found in natural herbaceous vegetation, poplar plantations, meadows, and stubble fields, usually close to shelter which may be used as refuge. Hares were mainly observed in open fields, such as meadows, winter crops, and natural herbaceous vegetation, but at ≥ 50 m from refuges. Our results suggest that the coexistence of the 2 species is mediated by a partial separation of spatial niches