Rewilding Spain has deployed a network of camera traps and transects in the Dehesa de Solanillos natural grazing area (Mazarete, Guadalajara) as part of the Iberian Highlands project. The aim is to analyse the status of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), a keystone species critical to many Iberian carnivores and an important ecosystem engineer.
This research focuses on understanding the rabbit population’s distribution and abundance, alongside monitoring competitor species such as hares and deer and assessing the densities of all wild mammals in the area.
Monitoring rabbit populations and their ecosystem
The study aligns with the methodology and objectives of the LIFE project’s protocol for monitoring wild rabbit populations on a detailed scale, which is used to evaluate the abundance of this herbivore in low-density areas. In Dehesa de Solanillos, predators such as the fox (Vulpes vulpes), wildcat (Felis silvestris), marten (Martes foina), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) rely on rabbits as part of their diet.
A network of 60 camera traps, set up following the protocols of the European consortium Enetwild and the European Observatory of Wildlife, covers 2,800 hectares. These traps began collecting data in July, with findings to be analysed at the end of the year.
Monitoring efforts are vital for establishing a baseline of animal populations, which helps track their evolution over time and measure the impact of rewilding actions involving large herbivores. These assessments will be repeated at the same locations in the coming years, offering insights into changes in species populations and the broader landscape.
More than 20 species tracked
Preliminary data from Dehesa de Solanillos reveal that the area is home to over 20 species of mammals and birds. Among them are common inhabitants of the Iberian Highlands, such as deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and badgers (Meles meles). Additionally, the elusive wildcat, a species in decline in the central and southern Iberian Peninsula, has also been recorded.
Natural grazing with horses and tauros
Dehesa de Solanillos is one of the sites where Rewilding Spain is implementing natural grazing initiatives. Using Serrano horses (a native rustic breed) and tauros, these efforts aim to promote healthier forest restoration in a region heavily impacted by a major wildfire in 2005. The grazing and trampling of these large herbivores improve the forest’s resilience to future fires and foster biodiversity.
Comprehensive wildlife analysis
The monitoring and data analysis are overseen by Rewilding Spain’s Rewilding Area, led by Diego Rodríguez, with support from biology and nature conservation students. Rodríguez explains: “With this study, we aim to achieve three main objectives: to determine how many rabbits are present and where they survive, to assess the densities of their predators and competitors to identify potential action areas, and to establish a baseline database of Solanillos’ wildlife for future comparison as the horses and tauros continue their natural grazing.”
He adds: “This information will inform the design of a rabbit recovery plan with improved criteria, including actions such as installing bivouacs—which significantly reduce predation—and creating water points. The rabbit is not only a vital prey for numerous Iberian carnivores but also an ecosystem engineer that fosters conditions for many other species to thrive in the harsh Mediterranean forest environment. Recovering rabbit populations is therefore essential to restoring these ecosystems.”
This article originally appeared on the Rewilding Europe website. To find out more about the Iberian Highlands project, visit their project page.
