Joining the project
Thanks also to the contribution of Sicilian hunter-monitors who joined the project "Towards Sustainable Hunting of the Italian Hare (Lepus corsicanus) in Sicily: Best Practices and Monitoring Actions," a study recently published in the journal Mammalian Biology ("Unveiling the gut microbiota of the Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus): a first characterization from Sicily") was conducted. This new study examined the gut microbiota (i.e., all the microorganisms that live in the intestine, in this case the bacterial component) of a sample of hares collected during the project. For the first time ever, the study genetically characterized the dominant bacterial phyla and families. Without going into too much technical detail, for which we refer to the original work, the microbiota of the examined Italian hares was mainly dominated by Bacillota and Bacteroidota, followed by Actinomycetota, with families such as Ruminococcaceae, Rickenellaceae and Bacteroidaceae prevailing.
Energy metabolism
It is important to consider that the gut microbiota is a key factor in the host's biology (the hare), influencing nutrient absorption, energy metabolism, immune function, disease resistance, and behavior. Disruption of these delicate relationships between the host and natural microbial communities (dysbiosis) can reduce individual fitness, ultimately compromising health and survival. Conversely, a functionally balanced microbiota is essential for individual health and improves the individual's ability to respond to environmental changes and stress. From previous studies, primarily on captive European hares, we know that these animals are prone to various types of enteritis, often fatal. Furthermore, some differences in the microbiota of wild European hares are known compared to farmed ones. These differences are primarily related to diet and environment and could impact the health and adaptability of farmed animals when released into the wild. A phase of dietary and microbiota adaptation could improve the success of restocking and reintroduction programs.
Improving knowledge
The results of the study on the Italian hare significantly improve our understanding of this species and provide a precise framework for the composition of the gut microbiota. This framework will also be useful for future comparative and ecological studies applied to the conservation and management of this endemic Italian species, for example, in upcoming reintroduction and repopulation projects. (Research and Study Office, Italian Hunting Federation)
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