The demography of a high-density badger (Meles meles) population in the west of England

Badgerland online shop
Click here to buy our badger booklets, field guides, posters, PowerPoint presentations  and Teaching Kits!

Journal

Journal of Zoology Volume 242 Issue 4,Pages705-728 Published Online: 14May2009

Authors

L. M. Rogers 1 , C. L. Cheeseman 1 , P. J. Mallinson 1 and R. Clifton-Hadley 2
1 Central Science Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Sand Hutton, York, YO4 1LW
2 Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB

Abstract

Data from the longest running capture-mark-recapture study of Eurasian badgers, in an undisturbed wild population at Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire, were used to investigate population dynamics. Twenty-one social groups of badgers occupying an area of 7.3km2 were studied from 1978-1993. The density increased steadily over the study period, reaching the highest published density known anywhere at 25.3 adults per km2 in 1993, and the average social group size increased to 8.8 adults (S.E. ± 0.85) in 1993. By 1993, 97% of the population trapped was of known age and overall the population consisted of 27% cubs and 73% adults. In addition, the results supported previous studies in that the population had an equal sex ratio as cubs, but became increasingly female biased with age. There was high juvenile mortality, nearly 50% dying in their first year. Between 58 and 90.2% of adult females did not breed each year.

Keywords

-

Web site

• http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118535410/home

Badger by Tim Roper
This reference work is packed with detail about the badger - great for studious readers - there is no better book in print.  Click here to buy: Paperback edition or Hardback edition Kindle edition