Location of breeding warrens as indicators of habitat use by maras (Dolichotis patagonum) in Península Valdés, Argentina

Breeding warrens serve as reliable indicators of mara (Dolichotis patagonum) habitat use throughout the year, revealing that these animals concentrate their activities around these sites without relying on alternative areas. The study found a strong association between warren location and microhabitat preferences, with maras favoring patches characterized by bare soil and proximity to infrastructure elements. By analyzing fecal counts along transects emanating from warrens, researchers demonstrated that intensively used patches are small and dispersed, suggesting multipurpose use of these areas for both breeding and resource exploitation. This insight underscores the ecological significance of warrens in understanding mara spatial behavior.

Alonso Roldán, V., & Baldi, R. (2016). Location of breeding warrens as indicators of habitat use by maras (Dolichotis patagonum) in Península Valdés, Argentina. Mammalia, 81(4), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2015-0136