Rearing method of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for reintroduction in Sicily (Italy)

In the past, wild rabbits remained only in Spain and in the south of France. Currently, in Italy, this lagomorph is not uniformly distributed: its greatest presence is recorded in Sicily and Sardinia, where the habitat is very similar to the ancestral one. The specie is very important as game and food for many threatened animals of the Mediterranean area: so, there is an important decline in numerousness. The aim of this paper is to test what is the best age of reintroduction in nature using a “soft release” method, in acclimatization pens nearby the breeding farm, limiting mortality due to stress, transport and social factors. The trial was conducted in the mountain area of Palermo district, characterised by a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winter. First, counts of animals were made using the method of nocturnal light census and pellet counts, in order to establish where to capture and where to reintroduce the animals. Capture methods used are traps or ferrets. The captured animals were subdivided according to sex, measured, and their health status is accurately checked. If wild rabbits exhibit the typical biometrical data, they are used as breeders in specialised farms (Regional Law n.33/97): they were ear-marked, vaccinated and treated for parasites. Thus, it starts a breeding period similar to the common rabbit. So, the new-born were transferred in an acclimatization area built on dry ground with a slight slope, where no herbicides have been used to avoid poisoning and rich in natural shrub vegetation and trees. A fence of a narrow mesh, 40cm underground, 2m high and supported by cement poles, prevents the intrusion of predators and the escape of rabbits. Inside the area there is a canopy that protects hay and a feeder with medicated pellets to aid the immune system because stress related to environmental change is high. If the rabbits have retained good wildness, they will soon begin to dig their own burrows. It was noted that 180 days-old animals were more disoriented and less inclined to leave the cage in comparison with 60 days animals that showed greater adaptability and ability to survive after release. Generally, most death occoured during the first week after releasing, without any differences among sex; higher mortality is revealed for older animal that settle more slowly, being not able to eat and to build lairs for defending from predators. From the second week, mortality is similar for all the classes of age.