ENERGY-EXPENDITURE AND PREY REQUIREMENTS OF FREE-RANGING IBERIAN LYNX IN SOUTHWESTERN SPAIN

We developed an additive model to estimate seasonal energy expenditure of nonreproductive, free-ranging Iberian lynx (Felis pardina) at Donana National Park in southwestern Spain. We considered only resting, locomotion; hunting, and eating costs. Data for the model were provided by radiomonitoring an adult male (15.4 kg) and an adult female (9.95 kg) in 24-hour samples (n = 53) between 1983 and 1985. Average daily energy expenditure was 912 kcal for the male and 673 kcal for the female, with greater seasonal variation in the male. Based on the energy content of the lynx's staple prey, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus coniculus), we estimated the prey requirements of this endangered felid as about 1 rabbit per day.