Biometrical analysis reveals major differences between the two subspecies of the European rabbit

Abstract

The climatic oscillations that have occurred in the last few million years have strongly affected species distribution ranges. Highly divergent genetic lineages arose, some of which correspond to recognized subspecies that currently occupy small geographical areas. Understanding the implications of the genetic differences between these subspecies is crucial for proper conservation of Evolutionarily Significant Units. We use the two European rabbit subspecies, Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus and O. c. algirus, in the Iberian Peninsula as a model to investigate the repercussions at the biometric level of their largely recognized genetic differentiation. To accomplish this we analysed the ear and hind foot length, and the body mass of 999 adult rabbits from 27 locations across the distribution range of both subspecies in their native range, the Iberian Peninsula. Our results show biometric differences between the two subspecies, also explained by geographical location and sex, O. c. algirus being lighter and having shorter ear and hind foot lengths. We examine these findings under an evolutionary framework, and discuss their implications for current conservation efforts. Future research should focus on the ecological implications of these biometric differences, namely potential different habitat use and anti-predatory strategies in the species' native range. § [Corrections added on 24 February 2016, after issue publication: The Acknowledgements section has been updated to

A genomic map of clinal variation across the European rabbit hybrid zone

“…Much less is known about the hybrid phenotypes associated with the persistent reproductive isolation in the system. Morphological differences between subspecies are subtle, but they can be distinguished based on several biometric measures (Ferreira et al., ). Crosses between subspecies in outdoor enclosures revealed slight subfertility effects in F1 hybrids and that male F1 hybrids and backcrosses also display smaller testes and a moderate increase in the number of sperm morphoanomalies when compared to parental males (Blanco‐Aguiar et al., Submitted).…”

When all life counts in conservation

“…Indeed, similar trait differences are the basis for the categorization of rabbits as subspecies in their native range ( O. c. cuniculus and O. c. algirus ) (Ferreira et al. 2015). Yet nativism does not allow for taxonomic distinction to be contemplated for migrant populations (Chew & Hamilton 2011).…”

Rumours about wildlife pest introductions: European rabbits in Spain

“…For example, it was often thought that the newcomers had different coloured fur and were larger. At least in some cases this could be explained by the fact that rabbits belonging to the subspecies occurring in south and north-western Iberia (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) are on average smaller than those of the subspecies present in north-eastern Spain (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus; Ferreira et al 2015), and that rabbits of one subspecies are often released in the distribution area of the other (Delibes-Mateos et al 2008c). In addition, it is not surprising that allegedly introduced rabbits were believed to be more resistant to rabbit diseases as they are one of the main limiting factors of rabbit populations (Calvete 2006), and populations in rabbit-damaged areas (which are subject to rumours) are usually characterised by high rabbit numbers and/or sudden population growth (Barrio et al 2010).…”