Differences in trappability of European badgers Meles meles in three populations in England

摘要: Summary 1. Many ecological studies on the European badger Meles meles, as well certain programmes to control bovine tuberculosis, would benefit from a greater understanding of factors that influence probability capturing this animal in cage-traps. We therefore investigated some could explain differences trappability between three populations England: high-density protected Wytham Woods and Woodchester Park, low-density culled population North Nibley. 2. Trappability (the percentage all individuals known alive were actually captured) did not differ sexes or adult age classes, but significant found cubs adults, study areas, seasons years, various interactions these variables. 3. Circumstantial evidence suggests culling badgers Nibley may have resulted decrease following year. 4. Adult at Park significantly more likely be trapped zero times (‘trap-shy’) (‘trap-happy’) 1996 than predicted by estimated capture probabilities under assumption equal trappability. 5. Wytham differed other areas its was positively related their body weight cubs. These consequence trapping procedures followed (no prebaiting fewer traps per badger). 6. Trappability associated with social group size. Although it is difficult determine precisely movement tuberculosis status based mark–recapture data, our analyses suggest either variable affected likelihood being trapped. 7. Studies compare demographic, biometric epidemiological parameters data collected captured different places ought account for observed trappability.