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2025-01

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cc-by (c) Real, Joan et al., 2025
Si us plau utilitzeu sempre aquest identificador per citar o enllaçar aquest document: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/218798

How does optimal prey abundance shape space use by a territorial raptor?

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Recurs relacionat

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-024-01890-4

Resum

Understanding predator-prey interactions is important to determine the inter-relationships between species. Optimal foraging theory states that predators balance out energy expended with the energy gained from their prey. In the Iberian Peninsula, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key prey species for endangered Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata). Thus, it is vital to understand how changes in rabbit abundance can influence habitat selection and territory use by Bonelli’s eagle. We studied 11 radio-tagged Bonelli’s eagles in their territories in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula) and analysed the relationship between rabbit relative abundance, habitat selection and territory use of eagles. Rabbit relative abundance varied between territories, with shrublands hosting more rabbits, and eagles preferred shrublands and open areas for foraging and avoided dense forests. Spatial use by territorial eagles correlated positively with rabbit abundance in rabbit-rich territories, thereby supporting the idea that prey availability influences habitat selection. This result confirms optimal foraging strategies given that open habitats including shrublands tended to host more rabbits, thus providing better opportunities for prey detection and capture. Therefore, maintaining rabbit populations and their habitats (i.e., preserving open Mediterranean shrublands) would seem to be crucial for Bonelli’s eagle conservation. Our findings improve our understanding of predator-prey interactions and highlight the relationship between habitat structure, prey abundance and predator behaviour. In addition, our results emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies designed to safeguard endangered species such as Bonelli’s eagle and maintain ecosystem integrity.

Matèries

Àguiles, Farratge, Protecció de la fauna, Conills

Matèries (anglès)

Eagles, Forage, Wildlife conservation, Rabbits

Citació

Col·leccions

Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)
Articles publicats en revistes (Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio))

Citació

REAL, Joan, et al. How does optimal prey abundance shape space use by a territorial raptor?. European Journal Of Wildlife Research. 2025. Vol. 71, num. 1, pags. 1-14. ISSN 1612-4642. [consulted: 27 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/218798

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