Literature review highlights distinct genetics and conservation needs among two rabbit subspecies in Iberia.
Key Points
Significant differences exist between the two subspecies of rabbits, impacting their conservation status and management.
The review identified distinct inter-subspecies dissimilarities in 79% of the studies analyzed, relating to genetics and ecology.
Habitat loss and diseases threaten both subspecies, with the northeastern Oryctolagus c. cuniculus population increasing while Oryctolagus c. algirus declines.
Targeted management strategies are essential for sustainable conservation of European rabbits in the Iberian Peninsula.