Distribution, characteristics and use of shelters by the Eurasian badger Meles meles along an altitudinal gradient in the Western Carpathians, S Poland

摘要: We studied the location of Eurasian badger (Meles meles) setts in relation to various environmental factors, and attempted assess role competition with other burrowing carnivores importance human activity on their sett selection Western Carpathians (southern Poland). Excavated dens (53 %), caves rock crevices (43 burrows under buildings (4 were used by badgers as permanent shelters. Setts located mostly foothills (< 680 m a.s.l.), but for den within lower montane zone (680-980 a.s.l.) was also observed. recorded only up 640 a.s.l., while occurred 1050 a.s.l. Badger shelters mainly situated forests or covered dense bushes. Badgers avoided northern slopes all altitudinal zones, SE W foothills, S E zones. placed further from settlements main roads, closer meadows high earthworm biomass, when compared random points. Within territories, 1-12 recorded. occupying territories which included both zones at altitudes, overwintering, exclusively above 800 conclude that mountains is shaped not availability cover geological factors influencing digging, pressure distance foraging areas.