Seasonal cycles of plasma testosterone and cortisol in the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus Loche) of Zembra Island, studied in its natural biotope and in captivity

Annual variations in plasma testosterone and cortisol levels were determined in male wild rabbits caught monthly in their natural biotope (Zembra island). For comparison, a group of warrens was hold in semi-captivity close to Tunis. In both conditions plasma testosterone concentrations were low from January to September and peak values were observed in October. Captive warrens exhibited a clear cut annual rhythm in plasma cortisol levels also and ether stress resulted in a very large increase of cortisolemia. In rabbits caught in ther habitat however, cortisol concentrations were always extremely high throughout the year, probably due to stressing conditions. Interestingly, wild rabbits of Zembra island appear to subsist from a very remote past without any contact with other strains. As to Zembra, it is a hardly get-at-able, uninhabited island which is a part of a strictly protected natural reserve and constitutes a fairly useful and valuable ecosystem.