Author: Kirk, D. A.; Racey, P. A.
Year: 1992
Title: Effects of the introduced black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis) on the vegetation of Cousin Island, Seychelles and possible implications for avifauna
Journal: Biological Conservation
Volume: 61
Pages: 171-179

Abstract: The habitat use and feeding ecology of the introduced Indian black-naped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis (Cuvier) was studied on Cousin Island in the Seychelles with a view to assessing the impact of hares on vegetation and thus indirectly on several rare endemic landbirds and some seabird species. Habitat use was assessed by determining the distribution of faecal pellets over the island and mapping the location of hares seen. The dispersion of faecal pellets and hares seen was not uniform; hares showed a strong preference for coastal habitats and the garden in the depression at the base of the granite hill. Analysis of faecal pellets showed that at least 24 of the 130 plants recorded for Cousin were easten by hares. Hares may aid plant seed dispersal, and browsing may prevent the regeneration of Casuarina equisetifolia. This is an important foraging tree for several rare endemic landbirds and is used as nest sites by some seabird species.