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Titre :
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A Study of the Biology of the Wild Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus (L.), in Confined Populations IV. The Effects of Rabbit Grazing on Sown Pastures
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Auteurs :
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K. Myers ;
W. E. Poole
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Publisher :
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Journal of Ecology, 51(2)
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Type de document :
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Article
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Année de publication :
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1963
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Format :
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435-451
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Langues:
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Anglais
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Résumé :
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Large changes in species composition occur when sown rye-clover pastures are grazed by rabbits. Ryegrass is greatly reduced and the content of less palatable grasses and weeds is increased. These effects are proportional to rabbit density, but are considerable even at the low density of 10-20 rabbits per acre (0.4 ha). The most important factors causing those changes are the selection by the rabbits of various species of plants and parts of plants, especially at critical periods of development, and the mechanical destruction of the soil surface, both of which give some species competitive advantages over others. Pasture yield can be decreased by as much as 25% at a density of 10-20 rabbits per acre. Summer is the main period of food shortage for rabbits inhabiting Mediterranean-type climatic regions. The breeding season coincides with the period of greatest food supply.
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En ligne :
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https://www.jstor.org/stable/2257695
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