A new area of occurrence of an endemic Italian hare inferred by camera trapping

Abstract

The Italian Hare Lepus corsicanus, endemic of Central and Southern Italy, was recorded for the first time in the Northern part of the province of Grosseto (Southern Tuscany), through camera trapping. This observation was localized at the edge of a mixed oakwood (Quercus cerris and Q. pubescens), in the surroundings of the village of Prata (Loc. Vado a Rimolli, 512 m a.s.l.). The record here reported expands the Tuscan extent of occurrence of this species by over 60 km to the north. Restocking of the European Brown Hare Lepus europaeus occurs in this area, and hunting pressure may threaten the endemic taxon. Further researches and genetic surveys are recommended to address conservation plans.

Keywords

• Lepus corsicanus
• extent of occurrence
• conservation status
• Southern Tuscany

Supporting Agencies

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Data Availability Statement

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