AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE HARE LEPUS AMERICANUS

Abstract

This paper deals with the ranges of hares in an area of the Quebec Laurentians which is characterized by a heterogeneity of vegetation structure. The vegetation structures are described, and the relation of the hares to this environment is shown in terms of utilization. Modifications of rates and areas of movements of the hares are correlated to physical and climatic factors. By expanding trap lines from main study areas, and by gang-trapping, social aspects of individuals are studied. Conclusions reached are: (a) vegetation structure plays an important role in determining the ranges of hares; (b) climatic and physical factors dampen or activate movements within the ranges; (c) female hares are consistent in their choice of browse and cover areas whereas males are not; (d) daily ranges of males and females in summer and winter are found to be about 4 acres; (e) modifications of daily ranges of hares are decreases when females care for young, and increases when males move from one female's range to another; (f) the total ranges of males is ultimately determined by the sum of the ranges of the female hares which they court.