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