Survey of badger Meles meles damage to agriculture in England and Wales

摘要: Summary 1. In response to reported increases in badger numbers and associated agricultural damage, a questionnaire survey of 3600 land owner/occupiers was conducted 1997 determine the extent significance damage England Wales. We assess badger-induced highlight problem regions, farm types specific crops allow targeting future research efforts at amelioration. (This investigated alleged agriculture but did not address role badgers transmission bovine tuberculosis.) 2. The return rate 55·1% (n = 1982) 150 responses were ground-truthed. 3. Almost 30% those who responded that had occurred previous 12 months, 57% an increase during past 5 years. 4. Badger widespread, its incidence highly dependent on region type. The most frequently (25·5%) resulted from badgers’ burrowing activities (especially causing fences). Crop also (21·2%), with wheat, forage maize vines being damaged frequently. 5. Ground-truthing showed incorrect attribution negligible majority respondents assessed correctly cost except for predation livestock where ‘evidence’ circumstantial. 6. Most little economic consequence individual owners/occupiers; however, approximately 5% estimated they incurred costs over £1000. 7. Assuming questionnaires returned random subset distributed, mean national £41·5 million per annum (62% which due activity). Assuming all non-respondents no estimate £21·5 million annum. 8. Future into management options limitation should be targeted areas situations significant damage. These are primarily direct crop maize, vines, fruit vegetables. suffering intense south-west England. seasonal nature some will preventative action taken appropriate times. Predation by is considered small-scale unproven problem.