Plasticity in daily activity patterns of a key prey species in the Iberian Peninsula to reduce predation risk

Abstract ContextSome prey species can shift their daily activity patterns to reduce the risk of encountering predators, and, in turn, predators develop strategies increase chances meeting prey. European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. It main for many vertebrate predators. also game and often target management measures such as translocations. AimsTo test whether rabbits adjust response differing predation regimes context. MethodsRabbits were translocated from donor area, with high density, release area central Spain, semi-permeable fenced plot an unfenced plot, which had no before translocation. We estimated relative abundance index (RAI) mesocarnivores by using camera-traps, calculated Jacobs selection (JSI) classify each diel period. Additionally, we overlap between different areas. Key resultsRabbits nocturnal where only two mesocarnivore detected, red fox (Vulpes vulpes, RAI) Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon, low RAI). However, five present, showed crepuscular trend peaks, around sunrise sunset. In contrast, four detected but (strictly diurnal) RAI value. Conclusions implicationsThe results suggest that adapted avoid diurnal mongooses. Conversely, areas towards day/twilight adaptation diverse community mesocarnivores. Rabbits adapt depending on pressure exerted predator species, conservation implications. These adaptations would allow higher success translocations despite carnivores could help design future this species.