The editor’s choice is the article by Bison et al.: “Camera traps reveal seasonal variation in activity and occupancy of the Alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis)”
Even in densely populated and well-studied regions, some elusive species have largely escaped scientific attention. The mountain hare of the European Alps is one such example. As a cold-adapted species, it may be threatened by climate change, but the causes of recent population declines are not well understood. Habitat change may be a factor, as well as competition from the European hare, which has been reported to expand its range uphill.
In a study in the French Alps, Majorie Bison and colleagues investigated the use of camera traps to survey and monitor mountain hare populations. The results confirmed the species’ largely nocturnal activity pattern and showed a preference for low but diverse ground vegetation, suggesting a link with food resources and predator avoidance. This is not rocket science, but a nice example of how new technology can be used to address old, unanswered questions even in poorly accessible alpine environments.
/Ilse Storch
Editor-in-Chief
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