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Badger sett activity as a method of predicting badger numbers
Journal
Journal of Zoology
Volume 259 Issue 1,Pages49-56 Published Online: 28 Feb 2006
Authors
G. J. Wilson 1
*, R. J. Delahay 1 , A. N. S. de Leeuw 1 , P. D. Spyvee 1 D. Handoll 1
1 Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, U.K.
Correspondence to *G. J. Wilson, Central Science Laboratory, Woodchester
Park, Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3UJ, U.K.
E-mail: G.Wilson@csl.gov.uk
Abstract
Estimating the size of badger populations at a local
scale using direct observation is difficult because of their nocturnal and
elusive lifestyle. Methods based on live-trapping can provide robust
estimates of badger numbers, but are very labour-intensive and expensive.
The development of alternative methods to predict badger numbers
accurately would provide valuable tools for research and management.
Badger setts are distinct structures, which exhibit various signs of
activity. The physical appearance of setts has been used in the past as a
crude guide to the number of badgers likely to be trapped. In this study,
an objective system for quantifying levels of activity at badger setts was
developed and related to the number of trapped badgers. Several types of
activity were positively associated with badger numbers, although these
associations varied seasonally. Furthermore, all individual activity
scores, summary indices and combinations of activity types were poor
predictors of the number of badgers trapped. This is probably because
variations in environmental conditions and badger behaviour confound the
relationship between activity and badger numbers.
Keywords
badger • Meles meles • population size • badger sett
• index • monitoring
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