Abstract

COSSIOS, Daniel. The european hare, Lepus europaeus (Mammalia, Leporidae), invasive species in south Peru. Rev. peru biol. [online]. 2004, vol.11, n.2, pp.209-212. ISSN 1727-9933.

The European hare was introduced into Argentina and Chile between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and since then has progressed throughout South America. In 1983 the hare reached southern Brazil, the Tarija department in southern Bolivia, and the Copiapo River area in Chile. In 2002 and 2004 we see some wild hares in the departments of Tacna and Arequipa, up to an altitude of 4300 m. According to interviews with inhabitants of these areas, the hare reached Peru between 1995 and 1998, which would represent an minimal dispersal speed of 44,34 km per year from Tarija. The interviewed subjects explained that the hare served no use but created problems by consuming vegetation. The present notice is a warning against the arrival of the European hare in Peru and the possible consequences of its presence.

Keywords : Hare; Lepus europaeus; invasive species; introduced species; southern Peru.

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