Die räumliche Habitatnutzung einer Dachspopulation (Meles meles L.) im schweizerischen Mittelland

Spatial organization and habitat utilization in a population of European badgers (Mles mles L.) in a hilly area of the Swiss midlands. -A small population of European badgers {Mele s mles L.) was studied between 1977 and 1981. The use of 42 badger dens and of numerous latrines was monitored. The home ranges of 3 radio-collared individuals were surprisingly large, measuring 132, 591 and 438 hectares. The population density was estimated to be only 0.5 individuals/1 km 2 . The use of a wide variety of food resources was observed. Low population density, ranging behaviour and resource utilization did not appear to be obvious consequences of resource availability.