Distribution and population density of badgers in Luxembourg
Journal
Mammal Review,
Volume 34,Number 3, July 2004, pp. 233-240(8)
- Blackwell Publishing
Authors
SCHLEY L.;SCHAUL M.;ROPER T.J.
Abstract
1. The distribution and density of Eurasian badgers
Meles meles
in Luxembourg was estimated by gathering information about the location
of badger setts with a questionnaire survey, by visiting 708 setts in
order to classify them as ‘main setts’ or ‘outliers’, and by estimating
social group size by directly counting emerging badgers.
2. Badgers were found to be widely distributed in Luxembourg, with a minimum main sett density of 0.17 setts/km2. Setts were sited preferentially in forest habitat. The mean minimum group size was 4.6 badgers.
3.
The Luxembourg badger population was conservatively estimated to
contain at least 2010 adult and young badgers (95% CI 1674–2347) in
spring 2002, equivalent to a density of 0.78 adult and young badgers/km2 (95% CI 0.65–0.91). This is moderate compared to most of continental Europe.
Keywords
conservation; human–wildlife conflict; Mustelidae;
sett survey; social group size; wildlife management
Web site
|
