Indices for the usefulness of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in European hare’s (Lepus europaeus Pallas) food management plans in hunting areas

European hare is a strictly herbivorous animal. Its diet consisted of a large variety of plant species, according to available resources in their habitat. In natural settings, grasses are the most preferred food resource from hares, while forbs are usually a limited component in hare’s diet. In this research, 16 hares were placed in variable sizes fenced paddocks with seeded vegetation, which was comprised of six grass species and two legumes. Hares showed higher preference for lucerne compared with all other plant species. Lucerne might be considered a useful species for hare’s habitat improvement. When hares lived in fenced areas for a month, the vegetation was overused only in paddocks of less than 48m2 area.