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   Lepus europaeus (mammal)
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   Interim profile, incomplete information

    Details of this species in New Zealand
    Status: Alien
    Invasiveness: Not specified
    Occurrence: Established
    Source: Parkes 2001
    Arrival Date: 1851
    Introduction: Intentional
    Species Notes for this Location:
    Lepus europaeus is widespread in pastures and native short and tall-tussock grasslands in New Zealand. L. europaeus was introduced to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 1851 at the same time as the European rabbit (Orgctolagus cuniculus) but did not attract attention until numbers increased due to the decline of the O. cuniculus population due to control measures. (Flux 1965; Parkes 2001).
    Management Notes for this Location:
    Methods by which to monitor L. europaeus population and impacts in New Zealand have been studied with the view of setting target densities for control operations (Parkes 2001). Methods for density estimation investigated included faecal pellet counts, spotlight count, and line transect estimates. Impact estimation methods included plant biomass estimation of biomass, and species composition and biomass.
    Location Notes:
    Impacts:
    Competition: The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is listed as 'Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Introduced mammals may be competing for depleting winter food resources, they include brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), Himalayan thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus), hare (Lepus europaeus), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and Red deer (Cervus elaphus) (BirdLife International 2008).
    Last Modified: 4/10/2010 2:33:38 p.m.
ISSG Landcare Research NBII IUCN University of Auckland The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.