The German wildlife information system (WILD): population densities and den use of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and badgers (Meles meles) during 2003–2007 in Germany

Abstract

Monitoring the populations of badgers and red foxes may help us to manage these predator species as a matter of wildlife conservation and regulation. To fit the needs of a monitoring programme, the most practicable method has to be selected. Hunting bag statistics deliver large but inaccurate data amounts with low effort. Indirect and also often direct counts might deliver only presenceabsence data with high effort. Direct counts with high accuracy are very costly. Den mapping by volunteer local hunters can deliver reliable data on density and additional biological variables while being feasible and cost effective. Within reference areas all over Germany, fox and badger dens and litters were recorded, and spring and summer densities estimated as well as potential annual population increases were calculated for 2003-2007. Habitat preferences for breeding dens were also analysed. Additionally, in 2006, the distribution of badgers was surveyed by a nationwide questionnaire. Fox and badger are distributed all over Germany with some small gaps and regionally differing densities. During the monitoring period, fox and badger densities and reproduction stayed stable, at a high level corresponding to hunting bags. However, densities varied between geographical regions, with lower densities in the sparsely wooded lowland regions. A preference for forest and habitats offering shelter was clear for breeding setts and dens. Badgers especially preferred setts of natural origin.

Home Ranges of the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora, Canidae) and European Badger, Meles meles (Carnivora, Mustelidae), in Oak Forests of Slobozhanshchyna, Ukraine

“…During this study, the author and the inhabitants of Kharkiv City oft en observed fox footprints and foxes within the green zone. In anthropogenic environment, foxes can use man-made structures as shelters (Legeida, 2007;Keuling et al, 2011). Nevertheless, in this study such places were not found.…”

“…Instead, when population density is low, animals use large family home ranges with undetectable boundaries (Cavallini, 1996;Hutchings et al, 2002;Frafj ord, 2004). Th e fox and badger share some resources: habitats overlap largely, dietary overlaps partly, foxes use badger setts for breeding and resting (Kauhala et al, 1998;Kowalczyk et al, 2008;Keuling et al, 2011). Th e burrowing activity of these species in the forests aff ects the state of the soil, vegetation, as well as creates shelters for other species (Reichman & Smith, 1990;Kurek et al, 2014).…”

Regulating wild boar populations is “somebody else's problem”! - Human dimension in wild boar management

“…Thus, wildlife monitoring systems, i.e. regarding game species, have been installed in Germany and its federal states during the last two decades (Keuling et al, 2011;Strauß et al, 2008;Tillmann et al, 2012). These monitoring systems work on a volunteer questionnaire basis and are well suited for human dimension surveys.…”

“…Due to several EU-conventions and German laws, reliable population data are needed (Keuling et al, 2011;Wetlands International, 2001). Thus, wildlife monitoring systems, i.e.…”

“…Within the WTE (and its nationwide analogy, the monitoring system WILD) we conduct inquiries on several game species, focussing mainly on small game occurrences (Keuling et al, 2011;Strauß et al, 2008;Strauß and Pohlmeyer, 2001;Tillmann et al, 2012). Along with simple questions regarding occurrences or density estimates of several game species, hunters are questioned about hunting bags, reproduction, diseases, road kills, crop damages, and other topics, as well as on the human dimension, e.g.…”