Comparative study on the consequences of culling badgers (Meles meles) on biometrics, population dynamics and movement

摘要: 1. Capture–mark–recapture data were used to describe the process of recovery from a typical badger removal operation (BRO) at North Nibley, Gloucestershire, UK, which was carried out as part government's strategy control bovine tuberculosis. Data on biometrics, demographics and movement this low-density disturbed population compared with those two nearby high-density undisturbed populations (Wytham Woods Woodchester Park, UK) in order study fundamental principles dynamics density-dependence. 2. Badgers moved more between social groups Nibley than other areas, particularly immediate aftermath operation. 3. Recolonization vacated habitat occurred first instance by young females. 4. Although year after BRO no cubs had been reared any culled groups, although shortage sexually mature boars may have limited reproductive output sows following year, took only 3 years recover its (already lowered) preremoval density. 5. Losses adult (and cub) due mortality or emigration smaller sites. 6. There much evidence that during 1995 1996 density-dependent effects constrained populations, some support for hypothesis badgers exhibit non-linear ‘large mammal’ type functional response density. 7. Badgers younger, heavier better condition Wytham Park. 8. We argue disease are likely be different could affect effectiveness BROs.