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Urban badger setts: characteristics, patterns of use and management
implications
Journal
Journal of Zoology -
Volume 275 Issue 2,Pages 190-200 - Published Online: 27 Mar 2008
Authors
J. Davison 1 , M. Huck 1 , R. J. Delahay 2 & T. J.
Roper 1
1 Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University
of Sussex, Brighton, UK
2 Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton,
York, UK
Abstract
Damage caused by badger setts is an important source
of human–carnivore conflict in urban areas of the UK, yet little is known
about the spatial distribution of urban badger setts or their pattern of
occupation. We compared the density, spatial distribution and size of
setts in four urban and two rural study areas in the UK and assessed the
applicability to urban systems of distinguishing between 'main' and
'outlier' setts. In addition, we used radio-telemetry to investigate
diurnal patterns of sett use in one urban area (Brighton). It was possible
to distinguish between main and outlier setts in urban environments, and
local sett densities were comparable in urban and rural areas. However,
urban badgers used substantially fewer setts than did a nearby rural
population, and they spent a smaller proportion of days in outlier setts.
Social groups with larger ranges had more setts available to them and,
within groups, individuals with larger ranges used more setts. Outliers
appeared to serve multiple functions, including allowing efficient and
safe travel to important parts of the home range. We conclude that sett
densities can be high in urban habitats, suggesting significant potential
for sett-related problems to arise. The fact that urban main setts can be
distinguished from outliers enables management actions to be tailored
accordingly. In particular, because main setts seem to represent a
particularly valuable resource to urban badgers, alternatives to the
closure of problem main setts need to be considered.
Keywords
burrow • den • Meles meles •
radio tracking • resting site • sett survey • wildlife damage
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