Bait Consumption by the European Rabbit in Southern England

The consumption of nontoxic, sliced carrot baits by 10 free-living European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations was investigated using Rhodamine B dye and fluorescent acetate floss fibers as bait markers. Total bait consumption was highest after 5-8 days of exposure. Increases in consumption between the 3rd and 8th days resulted from bait consumption by greater numbers of rabbits rather than increases in the amounts eaten by individuals. The data suggest that the more widely ranging individuals began consuming bait earlier than others. The average daily bait consumption/individual after 8 days of exposure varied between 216 and 346 g/kg body weight. The proportion of individuals eating bait was inversely related to the distance of their burrows from bait. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between sexes or among age classes in the proportions of animals consuming bait. Males ate significantly more (P < 0.001) bait than females. Adults ate significantly less (P < 0.05) bait than animals