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Socio-spatial organization of Eurasian badgers in low-density
population in central Europe
Journal
Canadian
Journal of Zoology, Volume 85, Number 9, 1 September 2007, pp.
973-984(12)
Authors
Do Linh San, Emmanuel; Ferrari,
Nicola; Weber,
Jean-Marc
Abstract
We studied the socio-spatial organization of Eurasian
badgers (or European badgers), Meles meles (L., 1758), in a low-density
population (estimate 1.8 badgers/km2) inhabiting a semi-rural area of
western Switzerland. For this purpose, 8 badgers (5 males and 3 females)
were caught at 5 different main setts and were radio-tracked between May
1994 and November 1996. The size of individual home ranges varied from
0.27 to 3.74km2 (1.69± 1.33km2 (mean± SD), n = 8, 100% MCP), seemingly
according to local variations in habitat productivity. Individual home
ranges were spatially stable, but their size decreased significantly
during winter (0.26± 0.42km2, n = 7, 100% MCP). Badger social units
consisted of 1–5 adults and (or) subadults (2.2± 1.5 animals, n = 9) and
their yearly offspring. Group-range size varied from 0.57 to 3.74km2
(2.12± 1.30km2, n = 4) and seemed to be influenced by the spatial
distribution pattern of food resources. Indeed, each group range
encompassed approximately the same surface of agricultural land (about
0.60km2). Territories were not well marked, some group ranges partly
overlapped. Latrines, which were not numerous and principally located
inside rather than along borders of group ranges, were only used
irregularly or sporadically. This prompts us to encourage the
reconsideration of the role of territorial behaviour in promoting group
formation in Eurasian badgers.
Keywords
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