Interspecific den sharing: a study on European badger setts using camera traps

摘要: Many mammals, both potential competitors and preys, have been reported to use the complex burrow system of European badger Meles meles setts as shelter, mainly in northern Europe during winter, when badgers are lethargic. Nonetheless, until recent times observations den sharing largely restricted anecdotal information, because nocturnal activity most sett occupants. Using camera-trapping, we investigated mammal fauna associated with 24 located central Italy, seasonal variation composition specific assemblages, without interfering occupants’ activity. Trapping effort was 1,605 camera trap-days from December 2010 2013. Badgers (two six individuals per sett) shared their a total eight species: crested porcupine Hystrix cristata, Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus, red fox Vulpes vulpes, pine marten Martes martes, stone foina, wood mouse Apodemus sp., brown rat Rattus norvegicus coypu Myocastor coypus. Den observed throughout year, significant reduction were probably induced move alternative avoid breeding porcupines. cottontails used burrows permanently and, at least one occasion, reared pups inside, although they can be easily preyed upon by badgers. Badger may favoured northward expansion porcupines settling introduced agricultural habitats.