Feeding ecology of the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus in eastern Sierra Morena (Southern spain)

摘要

The feeding ecology of the critically endangered Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus Temminck, 1827, was studied in the most important remnant population, located in eastern Sierra Morena (Sierra de Andujar Natural Park, Spain). Three hundred sixty scats were collected from October 2001 through September 2002. Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus dominated the lynx diet, as showed by frequency of occurrence (94%) and percentage of volume (91%). Red-legged partridges Alectoris rufa were the most important secondary prey. No significant seasonal variation was observed regarding the diet preferences of the lynx. No difference was found in lynx diet by comparing two areas with high and low rabbit availability. Juvenile rabbits were positively selected when they were available, during late winter, spring and early summer.