Understanding hybridization and competition processes between hare species: Implications for conservation and management on the basis of a mathematical model

• Main Authors: La Morgia, Valentina, Venturino, Ezio
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Lepus timidus
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304380017301539

Hybridization and introgression frequently occur in animal communities, both in nature or caused by human actions. In the genus Lepus (Mammals, Lagomorphs) genetic mixing has been widely documented and it probably affected the population dynamics of species, particularly during climatic oscillations. We thus propose and investigate a mathematical model, with the aim to describe and predict the outcome of interspecific interactions in a three-population system including European (Lepus europaeus), mountain (Lepus timidus) and hybrid hares. Contact zones; Differential equations; Introgression; Lepus; Herd behavior; Wildlife management;