Experience and results of acclimatization of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Ternopil region in 1976–1980

An attempt was made to acclimatize the European rabbit in Podillia in the valley of the Seret River (Ternopil oblast), which was carried out in 1976-1980. The article describes the characterization of the biotope conditions and anthropogenic pressure in the region of the European rabbit acclimatization, which determined the temporary success of the species settlement. Based on eyewitness accounts and organizers of this event, the moment of creating an artificial population of the species, the origin of the material for settlement, its flourishing and fading is described. Despite the generally satisfactory summer trophic base in the settlements and the lack of competition with domestic herbivores, maintaining the high rabbit number for four years played the fact of feeding (especially winter) and partial protection of animals on the aviary and in the vicinity of it by hunters of the hunters and fishermen community. Hence, the animals could annually replenish the number of the population in more distant places. During the flourishing period of the studied population of animals, the local population was actively cultivating, but this presence and presence of the surrounding fauna of wild predators did not cause a noticeable reduction in the number of rabbits. Respondents reported a sudden, unexpected disappearance. The authors conclude that, despite the favorable orographic and geological conditions, the European rabbit under the conditions of Canyon Transdnistria, a completely satisfying trophic base alone cannot promote completely independent populations that would exist without human support. The limiting factor is the duration of the winter period. Under conditions of myxomatosis spread, the existence of artificially created populations in the region is not possible even under the condition of minimal biotechnical measures.