E. Revilla et al., Physical and population parameters of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles L.) from Mediterranean Spain, Z SAUGETIER, 64(5), 1999, pp. 269-276
Citations number
51
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SAUGETIERKUNDE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY
Biometry, reproduction, and density of the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) po
pulation living in the Donana area. Mediterranean Spain, were investigated.
These badgers were smaller, lighter, and less sexually dimorphic than thos
e from any other region of this widely distributed species. There was no si
gnificant seasonal variation in body mass. Most of the births occurred in J
anuary. Reproduction occurred once a year in 67% of the territories. All fe
males older than two years had bred at least once; and 65% bred in the cale
ndar year of capture. Badger densities ranged from 0.23 to 0.67 individuals
/ km(2). These densities are between five and 125 times lower than that of
populations inhabiting temperate ecosystems: where badgers feed on earthwor
ms. Biometric and reproductive parameters of this population fit into the c
linal variation found across Europe, where badgers are smaller and breed ea
rlier to the south. Low densities can be explained as a functional response
to the low productivity of Mediterranean areas and can also be expected fo
r many other parts of the species' distribution area, where earthworms are
not the staple food.