POPULATION PARAMETERS INCLUDING BREEDING SEASON OF THE EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (LEPUS EUROPAEUS) EXPOSED TO CADMIUM AND LEAD POLLUTION

摘要

The population of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) has been declining for the last three decades in many European countries, including Poland. An intensive research of European brown hare was undertaken to investigate the effect of Cd and Pb concentration in hare organs. We evaluated population parameters of European brown hare (N = 223) at three agricultural sites in Malopolska Province. The individuals were hunted and determined their age and sex. Reproductive index varied between 1.1 and 2.8 per collected female. Reproductive index was highest in the area with low pollution. Significant differences were denoted between site 1 in comparison with site 2 and 3 (Friedman test; p < 0.01). The highest concentration of Cd was found in the kidneys (maximum value: 49.12 mg/kg wet weight) and the highest concentration of Pb (3.53 mg/kg wet weight) was reported in the liver. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the concentration of Pb in kidneys, liver and biceps femoris muscle was positively correlated with the most polluted sites (habitats). The variability of MAI (Metals Accumulation Index) showed links between all sites. The decline in hare population numbers was steeper at the most highly polluted site of the investigated area.