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

Abstract

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Evolution of microparasites in spatially and genetically structured host populations: The example of RHDV infecting rabbits

“…The unit for time is the month. The birth rate is chosen to balance the annual natural mortality rate which is around 50% in the disease-free equilibrium (Cowan, 1987;Smith and Trout, 1994). The initial mortality rate μ 0 is chosen very low compared to the birth rate, consistently with the invasive potential of rabbits.…”

Modelling hunting strategies for the conservation of wild rabbit populations

“…Previous models on the effects of timing of rabbit control have been developed using Leslie matrices in which control was applied by varying the survival rates of different age-classes at different months (Darwin and Williams, 1964;Smith and Trout, 1994). We have adapted this approach to the study of rabbit populations in southwestern Europe.…”

“…These include general models on unspecific control strategies (Darwin and Williams, 1964;Smith and Trout, 1994;Smith, 1997) and, more recently, models in which disease is the control method (Pech and Hood, 1998;Hood et al, 2000). However, models focusing on rabbit conservation have received little attention (Calvete and Estrada, 2000;Fa et al, 2001).…”

“…All rabbit population models developed to date have been based on parameters obtained from populations outside of the original range of rabbits (i.e. Smith and Trout, 1994). It is well known that there are ecological differences between rabbits throughout Europe, including a latitudinal trend in reproductive parameters and differences in survival and mortality (Rogers et al, 1994).…”

“…Previous rabbit models have explored the optimal timing to carry out population control in wild rabbit populations in New Zealand (Darwin and Williams, 1964) and England (Smith and Trout, 1994;Smith, 1997). These models suggest that control should be applied when the population is naturally declining and each female killed reduces overall reproductive capacity for the next season.…”