Habitat effects on the spatial ecology of the European badger (Meles meles)

This study investigates how habitat variation affects sett density, the num ber of animals per social group and group territory size in the badger (Mel es meles). Identical methods were applied in three habitat types: lowland p arkland with mixed woodland, pastoral farmland and upland rough pasture wit h moorland, representing areas of presumed good, medium and poor badger hab itat, respectively. Contiguous main setts were identified and bait-marking was used to estimate territory size. Group size was estimated by direct enu meration. Variation in sett density, group size and territory size supporte d the hypothesis that badger group and territory size are influenced by hab itat type. This was further supported by analyses of data from other studie s in the British Isles. The implications for badger spatial ecology, badger survey techniques and the badger's role in the epidemiology of TB are disc ussed.