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Feeding ecology of the Iberian lynxLynx pardinus in eastern Sierra Morena (Southern Spain)

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Abstract

The feeding ecol ogy of the critically endangered Iberian lynxLynx 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 Sep tember 2002. RabbitsOryctolagus cuniculus dominated the lynx diet, as showed by frequency of occurrence (94%) and percent age of volume (91%). Red-legged partridgesAlectoris 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.

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Correspondence to Elena Ballesteros-Duperón.

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Associate Editor was Krzysztof Schmidt.

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Gil-Sánchez, J.M., Ballesteros-Duperón, E. & Bueno-Segura, J.F. Feeding ecology of the Iberian lynxLynx pardinus in eastern Sierra Morena (Southern Spain). Acta Theriol 51, 85–90 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03192659

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03192659

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