Validity limits of the pellet group counts in wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Disappearance speed of two signs of presence (isolated pellet groups and dunghills) of the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus was measured between May 1990 and July 1991 on two sites in Provence, southern France, to validate the use of the pellet group counts technique for this species in the French Mediterranean region. Four ecological factors were tested to explain the disappearance speed of isolated pellet groups and dung-hills : season, site, vegetation type and climatic parameters. Even if the results are more pertinent for dung-hills than for isolated pellet groups, the two signs of presence have the same general plan of disappearance. Our results show that season is the most important factor to be considered to sample the habitat-use of the wild rabbit. Using the pellet group counts technique, if any comparison is to be made, spring is the most favourable time of year because pellets disappear faster during this season. Whatever the season, if a comparison between several sites and biotopes is to be made, only fresh signs should be used. The influence of climatic parameters and the limits of pellet group counts technique are discussed.