Habitat use of the raccon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in north-eastern Germany

Abstract

This study investigated habitat availability and its selection and preference by adult, resident raccoon dogs inhabiting the countryside in north-eastern Germany. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although percentage share of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows, maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences.Habitat composition of individual home ranges was used to classify animals. If the percentage of forest within a home range exceeded 50% the individual was classified as a 'forest type' raccoon dog. If the percentage of forest habitats within a home range was less than 5%, the share of pastureland was mean 81.82%716.92 SD. Consequently the individual was classified as a 'agrarian type' raccoon dog. Neither habitat preference nor habitat selection process differed between the two 'types'. Habitat use and preference is discussed with relation to the ability of the raccoon dog to expand its range towards Western Europe.

Habitat use of Medium-Sized Carnivores in Southeast Finland — Key Habitats for Rabies Spread?

“…Moreover, in Russia and Ukraine, raccoon dogs were frequently found near water or in damp meadows, swamps and alluvial soils (Nasimovich & Isakov 1985, Woloch & Rozenko 2007). In contrast to our study, in northeast Germany raccoon dogs did not show preference for most habitat types (Drygala et al 2008). Furthermore, water surface and settlements were avoided all year round.…”

Going west—invasion genetics of the alien raccoon dog Nyctereutes procynoides in Europe

“…We therefore had to take a conservative approach to the grouping and interpretation of our data. Raccoon dogs in Europe live in mixed agricultural landscapes (Drygala et al 2008), but inhabit also areas of forested streams or river valleys and areas surrounding lakes where thick underbrush, marshes or reed beds provide dense cover (Ward and Wurster-Hill 1990;Nowak 1993). This has enabled us to group our samples into three of the major European drainage areas: the Lake Päijänne in Finland and the Oder and Elbe river basins in Germany.…”

Garbage in the diet of carnivores in an agricultural area

“…man settlements, at least in the European population (Drygala et al 2008). Literature of this species indicates the occurrence of raccoon dogs in the cities, however it was found in Japan (Saeki 2001).…”