Factors affecting Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) hunting bags in Tuscany region (central Italy)

• Published in: Hystrix Vol. 17; no. 2
• Main Author: Santilli, Francesco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Italian
• Published: Varese Associazione Teriologica Italiana 03.07.2007
• Subjects: Brown hare, Lepus europaeus, harvest, habitat variables, management, central Italy; Cereals; Hunting; Land use; Lepus europaeus; Protected areas; Rainfall; Vineyards; Italy; Tuscany Italy
• ISSN: 0394-1914; 1825-5272
• DOI: 10.4404/hystrix-17.2-4372

We carried out an exploratory analysis of hare Lepus europaeus hunting bags (number of brown hares shot) in the nineteen Hunting Districts of Tuscany (central Italy) from 2001 to 2004, in order to identify which variables (land use and characteristics, climate and management) could affect hare harvest. Vineyards and grass in rotation with winter cereals were positively associated with the number of hares shot, whereas industrial crops (mainly sunflowers) seemed to have a negative effect,as did the density of grazing sheep. Mean annual rainfall was negatively related to the harvest but with a borderline significance. We found a positive relationship between the number of hares harvested and the percentage of protected areas managed to conserve and produce small game species, whereas private hunting estates showed a negative association. Restocking both with wild hares captured in protected areas and with farm-reared animals did not show any effect on hunting bags of hares.