Using Leslie Matrices to Determine Wild Rabbit Population Growth and the Potential for Control

• Published in: The Journal of applied ecology Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 223 - 230
• Main Authors: Smith, G. C., Trout, R. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Science Publications 01-05-1994; Blackwell Science; Blackwell Scientific Publications
• Subjects: Age groups; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Demecology; Fecundity; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Mammalia; Mortality; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Population growth; Population growth rate; Population policy; Population size; Rabbits; Survival rates; Trout; Vertebrata; Vertebrates; England; United Kingdom; Great Britain; Europe; British Isles; Vertebrata; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Mammalia; Population growth; Pest management; Growth rate; Lagomorpha; Mathematical model
• ISSN: 0021-8901; 1365-2664
• DOI: 10.2307/2404538

1. Data on fecundity and mortality obtained from wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations in England were used in Leslie Matrix population projections to examine rate of population growth and the effect of time of control on population growth. 2. The population growth rate was shown to be slightly greater than unity in an average year. 3. Control policies which remove more adults than juveniles are best performed at the end of December and policies which remove more juveniles than adults are best performed in mid-June. 4. The limitations of the model used are discussed, as are limitations in the data. It was concluded that more information was required on natural mortality rates, especially fot the first few weeks of life.