Abstract
We estimated the Japanese hare (Lepus brachyurus) densities in eight different types of vegetation, using Fecal pellet count and INTGEP between 1999-2002. Vegetation was classified under forest type; Fagus crenata scrub, natural F.c. forest, secondary F.c. forest, secondary Quercus mongolica forest, mature Cryptomeria japonica forest, young C.j. forest, and grassland type; cutover land and pasture. Hare densities in the grassland were higher than those in the forest. The highest density was observed in the cutover land, showing that this type of vegetation was favorable habitat for hares. As for seasonal changes, hare densities in the forest were higher in the snow-thawing period (May and June) and snow-falling period (November-April) than in the snow-free period (July-October). Conversely, in grassland hare densities were higher in the snow-free period than in snow thawing and snow-falling period. However, the hare densities in the forest were lower than that of cutover land in the snow-thawing and snow-falling period. The seasonal changes of hare densities showed similar tendencies for four years. Distribution of fecal pellets and tracks varied among the types of vegetation and these two methods were useful in evualuating the habitat use of hares. Also, distribution of fecal pellets and tracks showed the intensity of habitat use was different among the forest, forest edge and grassland.
