Proof of habitat utilization of small game species by means of feces control with "dropping markers" in areas with wind-driven power generators

From October 1998 until March 1999 the habitat utilization of the small gam e species roe deer, European brown hare and red fox was examined in areas w ith and without wind-driven power generators. By means of "dropping markers ", a method which has as yet not been described in the literature, feces an d tracks were analyzed (figure 1). Prior observations during field work sho wed that game droppings were preferably found at distinctive marks in farml ands and fields. In imitation of these natural marks plastic poles were put up at definite distances on fields with sprouting grain and were controlle d on a monthly basis. At 85.9 % of the controlled dropping markers feces an d/or tracks were found. The proportions of droppings and tracks found were nearly equal. The fewest finds were made at the first control, the most at the fourth in January (table). Most frequently feces and tracks of roe deer were found (84.4 % of the posi tive markers), most rarely those of red fox (at 23.6 % of the positive mark ers). Droppings and tracks of European brown hare were found at 42.1% of th e positive "dropping markers". Furthermore, tracks of wild boar, fallow dee r, and badger were discovered at the "dropping markers". In the vicinity of the wind-driven power generators tracks and feces were found at all distan ces (distinguished by 100 m classes) from 10 to 1000 m (figure 2). With one exception there were no significant differences between the results from t he areas with and those without wind-driven power generators. This method is deemed appropriate for studying the habitat utilization by g ame.