Mapping of distribution and spatial analysis of brown hare habitat (Lepus europaeus) in Thessaly

The brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a mammal species with wide distribution in Greece. Although the species in Europe is common, in Greece, despite the plans applied by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food, its population is decreasing. In the present study, which was part of a wider research programme investigating the population ecology and brown hare habitats in Thessaly, the distribution of brown hare in Thessaly was examined. Combining field work, satellite data and Geographical Information Systems, this study estimated and mapped hare population density, and correlated population data with habitat types and land uses of the study area. From the spatial analysis it was concluded that, although the species was present all over Thessaly, most of its distribution had low population density. Only four sites had medium population density. Mapping the hare distribution revealed that forests and shrublands with openings were vital habitats for the species in central Greece.