European badger habitat requirements in the Netherlands – combining ecological niche models with neighbourhood analysis

Abstract

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The effect of habitat and human disturbance on the spatiotemporal activity of two urban carnivores: The results of an intensive camera trap study

“…For both foxes and badgers, these results could be an artificial effect of badgers and foxes using boundaries, which are often located alongside built‐up areas. However, urban badgers could also be showing some ability to utilize built‐up areas, contrasting Lara‐Romero et al (2012) and Piza‐Roca et al (2018) who suggest rural badgers avoid habitats near human settlements. Indeed, Davison et al (2009) recorded selection for, and slow travel speed through, gardens by urban badgers, likely reflecting a tendency for gardens to be used as foraging areas.…”

“…Badger activity was elevated in woodland at both spatial scales. Here, badger activity may be elevated because setts are likely to be located in woodland, benefiting from high cover and the structural support of root systems (Feore & Montgomery, 1999; Huck et al, 2008; Piza‐Roca et al, 2018). Additionally, badgers are omnivorous and spend a large proportion of their time foraging for earthworms, including within woodland environments (Kruuk, 1978; Mathews et al, 2018; Zabala et al, 2002).…”

“…Additionally, badgers are omnivorous and spend a large proportion of their time foraging for earthworms, including within woodland environments (Kruuk, 1978; Mathews et al, 2018; Zabala et al, 2002). Furthermore, the cover provided by woodland may be selected by badgers moving through the environment as light levels increase with sunrise (Davison et al, 2009; Piza‐Roca et al, 2018). Therefore, woodland appears to remain an important habitat for urban badgers.…”

“…Contrasting this, Davison et al (2009) detected high preference by badgers for dense scrub, whilst Kauhala and Auttila (2010) demonstrated a preference for sparse undergrowth instead. Rural badgers also avoid habitats situated closer to human settlements (Lara‐Romero et al, 2012; Piza‐Roca et al, 2018). Whilst it is unknown if urban badgers are similarly averse to human disturbance, their response to humans will potentially influence their ability to exploit urban environments.…”

Badger Meles meles as Ecosystem Engineer and Its Legal Status in Europe

“…The European badger is a common and widespread species [ 9 , 10 ]. Badgers play an important part in various interspecific interactions depending on their diet, behaviour, prey-predator interactions, disease dispersal, etc.…”