Temporal changes in the status of the European hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) population of Međimurje, Croatia
A total of 383 European hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) were sampled from three separate hunting grounds within the Međimurje region from 2004 to 2006 including, Cakovec, Hodosan and Mala Subotica. Based on the eye lens mass the age structure of hares was determined. Reproductive effort per capita varied from 0.62 to 1.54 leverets per hare with female reproductive effort varying from 0.62 to 3.40 leverets per female. On average 46.7% of the hunting bag consisted of yearlings. The sex ratio varied between years from 0.39 to 0.69 females:males. Weight varied significantly between juveniles and adults regardless of sex (p<0.05) and ranged from 3.64 to 4.17 kg. Spring densities varied from 15-23 hares/km2 between hunting grounds. Analysis of data from the management plans of Međimurje region over the last 38 years showed that game bag record decreased approximately 9-fold and the relative hare abundance declined by 56% from 1967 to 2005. According to management plans the area productive for hunting hares declined by 62% in that period and this is probably one of the main reasons for the current trend of population decline in Međimurje.