Population variables and causes of mortality in a hedgehog (Erinaceous europaeus) population in southern Sweden

摘要: A hedgehog population in southern Sweden was studied by capture-mark-recapture during 1972–1979. Each animal weighed, sexed and marked with one numbered clip each ear. The number of subadult adult hedgehogs about 20 the first two years, 1972–1973. Numbers then increased approximately doubled peaked 1978. decrease came 1979. The estimated juveniles produced varied between years lowest figure (15 juv.) 1974 when low highest 1977 (39 high. As no captured female had suckled young, estimates recruitment rate assumed that females did not reproduce until they were adult. The average per 2.8. Recruitment show any correlation non-juvenile densities. For both non-juveniles annual mortality greatly years. Average yearly 47% for 34% juveniles. For non-juveniles, most total occurred winter, ranging 26% 43% (average 33%), increasing densities non juveniles. Juvenile winter 6% 94%, averaging 33%. Summer averaged 15%, 3% 22%. Traffic kills predominant cause death. Only a few found dead summer autumn. There statistical differences age-specific survival males and, generally, age categories within sex. It is argued size appears to be more influenced environmental factors, such as food availability, nest sites climate, than density-dependent factors.