Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 287-321). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Three groups of European badger (<i>Meles meles</i> L.) were studied during 1985 and 1986 on an area of mixed farmland in the Spey Valley, Scotland. The European badger is group territorial but individuals forage solitarily. Group size was 6 (Milton group), 3-5 (Sheilich group) and 2-4 (Little Loch group). Data were obtained by means of radio tracking on five of the Milton group, three of the Sheilich group, two of the Little Loch group plus two single males. The three group territories ranged in size from 75-146 ha. and each contained a unique habitat structure. Spatial autocorrelation and graphical analyses indicated that individuals within each group distributed their intensity of use of the group territory similarly; the three groups, however, differed from one another in this respect. When examined over the long-term, individuals' total ranges and core areas overlapped widely, however, overlap of 50x50 m grid cells was low between pairs of individuals and the individual and the rest of the group suggesting partial spatial separation of individuals within the group. Over three week intervals the Milton badgers showed a complex, shifting arrangement of activity centres with no association between particular group members. On a nightly basis, an individual's total range overlapped widely with the rest of the group, but spacing of observation points for all individuals suggested that each individual's movement was concentrated in relation to the movements of the rest of the group. Diet comparisons between groups, within groups between years and between seasons suggested that availability, as indicated by the differing vegetational composition of each group territory, affected diet. Initial evidence was that individual's diets were similar within groups. Individuals within the three groups had similar range composition, showed similar preferences for the vegetation zones within each group territory and appeared to use the zones similarly. Individuals within each group exploited the group territory similarly, at least within the sensitivity of the present data. Above surface activity was strictly nocturnal and individuals showed the same pattern of varying length activity bouts interspersed with periods of rest underground; there was no common schedule, however, between individuals. Overall activity budgets were similar between individuals within the group. Individuals used the same ongoing movements each night, often travelling 3-4km, returning occasionally only to those areas that had received light use earlier in the night, and avoiding previously used areas more than expected from models of random badger movement. Group members were seldom observed in close proximity and appeared to be either spacing themselves each night randomly or avoiding one another. The three groups differed in the distribution of communal defaecation sites (latrines). All group members visited latrines and latrine paths, behaviours associated with demarcation of the group range, at similar rates. It is suggested that the spatial organization of the three groups of badgers was non-competitive. At first glance, the data indicated a large potential for spatial competition, however, a detailed analysis suggests that group members intensively used a number of different parts of the group territory ('patches'), these were shared with only a part of the group, and individuals were seldom in close contact with one another on a given night as predicted by patch based models of Carnivore group territoriality. However, territory size and configuration were not determined by the location of key feeding areas, in contradiction to the patch based models. Possible advantages gained by individuals within the group by spatial non-competitiveness are discussed in light of possible territory inheritance by related individuals. Possible advantages to all individuals contributing to demarcation of the group territory are also discussed. Group formation in European badgers is also compared with a model of group formation in birds.

defend feeding territories, and that the spatinl distribution of 'patches' of earthworms (their major prey) determines the size of badger territories. Such a food-based model has been widely accepted, but has a number of equivocal assumptions which are discussed. Recently Roper, Shepherdson & Davies (1986) proposed an alternative model of territorial organisation, based on the seasonal pattern of territory marking with faeces and anal gland secretion, which suggested that territoriality in badgers may be more related to defence of oestrus females by resident males than to defence of food resources. This hypothesis relies on an un-quantified correlation between seasonal patterns of territory marking, mating and road mortality. Here, I attempt to test the strength of the association between these distributions and to test predictions about the relative contribution of the two sexes to territorial defence. To do this I present further data on the deposition of faeces and anal secretion at latrines, together with new data on the seasonality of road mortality and bite-wounding in badgers. In addition, I report the results of experiments in which latrines were continually monitored in an attempt to assess the relative contribution of the two sexes to territory marking and patrolling. Finally, I report the results of a chemical investigation (using gas chromatography) of the scent profile of anal gland secretion. My results confirm the bimodal seasonal pattern of deposition of faeces and anal secretion at latrines, but whilst the two distributions were similar, there were differences which suggested that the two territorial markers may have different functions. The seasonal pattern of deposition of anal secretion showed essentially the same distribution as data on mating, testis weight, bite wounding and road mortality and I concluded that my results were consistent with the anti-kleptogamy hypothesis. However, the seasonal pattern of deposition of faeces at latrines could more easily be explained by seasonal changes in food availability. My results showed that the incidence of bite wounding and of patrolling at latrines, was higher in males than females, which is consistent with predictions derived from the anti-kleptogamy model, but not with food-based models which predict territory defence to be shared equally amongst group members. Finally, chemical analysis of anal secretion revealed that whilst it probably did not signal the sex or identity of it's producer it may carry information about group membership. In addition, the secretion was found to be of low volatility and composed of long-chain fatty acids some fifteen of which were identified. These results are consistent with the idea that anal secretion acts as a long-term territory marker. In conclusion I suggest that my results for the deposition of anal gland secretion at latrines are consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Roper et al., (1986) that territoriality in badgers may at least be partly linked to the defence of oestrus females by resident males. By contrast seasonal variation in defecation at latrines may at least be partly explained by seasonal changes in food availability. Given that food and mates are the most important resources for the survival of an animal, in the short-term and long-term respectively, it is likely that models of the territorial spacing pattern of badgers would have to take both resources into account.

No description available.

No description available.

Thirteen badgers and 20 foxes were radio-tracked in the Wytham Estate, Oxfordshire, between 1981 and 1983. Thirteen badger and 10 fox groups were identified from radio-tracking and bait marking. Badger groups (mean size 1982: 4.45, 1983: 5.82) occupied contiguous territories (size: 22-75 ha) with boundaries marked by latrines. Seasonal variation in marking intensity and choice of marking sites presumably were responses to changing intrusion pressure. Fox groups (mean size: 2.6) occupied stable territories (size: 22- 104 ha) with little overlap. Faeces deposition by foxes facilitated territory marking. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) dominated the diet of badgers (63 % estimated dry weight EDW, faeces), followed by cereals, fruits and other Invertebrates. Diet was highly variable between groups and seasons. For foxes, lagomorphs (20 % EDW) and earthworms (33 % EDW) were the most important prey, followed by scavenge and fruits. Variation in diet between groups and seasons was marked in lagomorphs but not earthworms. Multlvarlate analyses of habitat parameters revealed a low-dimensional 'resource space' that could be divided into conventional habitat categories. Censuses of prey species indicated that resource presence varied consistently between habitat categories. Key habitats occurred at fairly constant proportions in territories of both species) their dispersion partly determined the configuration of territory boundaries. The proportions of specific habitats per territory were correlated with the proportions of certain prey items in diets. space use by individuals was analysed by spatial autocorrelation methods, variation in space use by foxes was attributed to variation in resource dispersion. In contrast, individual badgers were similar in their use of space. Here, small-scale heterogeneity in intensity of use may reflect local earthworm availability, in one studied fox group, males and females differed in range use. Individuals in one studied badger group coordinated their use of space probably to minimize foraging interference. It is suggested that group living in Wytham badgers is a response to defending resources, and a model is proposed to explain how the spatial and social organisation of male and female badgers relate to the characteristics of the resources they require.

The Southeast Asian island of Borneo boasts an incredible diversity of terrestrial mammals which is threatened by habitat loss. Understanding the abundance and distribution of these species is essential for conservation and management. We assessed the occurrence of terrestrial mammals within two commercial forest reserves in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. In particular, we investigated the habitat associations of the Sunda stink-badger, whose patchy distribution is not well understood. To improve detection probability and precision of model parameters, we deployed 2 camera-traps at sample stations. Our results showed that Sunda stink-badgers are likely dietary and habitat generalists, that may benefit from forest disturbance. Additionally, we found that unguligrade species were associated with high detection probability when data from one camera trap was considered and inclusion of a second camera further increased the detectability of ungulates compared to all other species. We suggest that future studies consider physical characteristics of focal species to maximize effectiveness of camera effort and ensure that data collection is efficient and meets project needs.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogeographic structuring of the honey badger, Mellivora capensis, a highly mobile medium sized carnivore with an extensive distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa extending into the Middle East and India. Particular focus was placed on providing preliminary data potentially useful for the development of translocation policies for this species in southern Africa. Where possible, genetic results were also compared with current trinomial designations to determine whether subspecies status given to geographical groupings was supported by the genetic data. Mitochondrial control region sequence data was obtained for most a selection of specimen’s available while nuclear microsatellite variation was determined for a subset of individuals where there were sufficient sample sizes available. Phylogeographic structuring of the maternal mitochondrial lineage was initially obscured by the coamplification of a closely related numt. To overcome co-amplification, the numt was identified and mtDNA specific primers were designed. Mitochondrial DNA results are based on the most variable 230 bp of the control region (sequenced for 78 individuals) while five polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers were scored (for 55 individuals). Analysis, employing both nuclear and mitochondrial data, showed that although a pattern of isolation by distance can be detected, there was evidence for the presence of phylogeographic structuring between eastern and southern Africa. This could be interpreted as due to vicariance, probably associated by rifting and climatic occilations during the Pleistocene. Analyses support the identification of distinct management units for eastern and southern African populations although some evidence exists for secondary introgression between these two regions. Following this, we recommend that translocations between these broad geographic areas should be avoided. Within these geographic areas, because of a general pattern of isolation by distance, we recommend that individuals for translocations come from geographically proximate populations. In some instances, phylogeographic structuring is concordant with subspecies designations but additional sampling will be needed to make any firm taxonomic conclusions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwit van hierdie studie was om die filogeografiese struktuur van die ratel, Mellivora capensis, ‘n hoogs bewegende medium groot karnivoor met ‘n wydverspreide distribusie deur sub-Sahara Afrika wat strek tot in die Midde Ooste en India, te bepaal. Spesifieke fokus is geplaas op die voorsiening van preliminêre data potensieel bruikbaar vir dir ontwikkeling van verplasing strategieë vir hierdie spesie in suidelike Afrika. Genetiese resultate is, waar moontlik, vergelyk met huidige drieledige kategorieë om te bepaal of subspesies ondersteun word deur die genetiese data. Mitochondriale ‘control region’ DNS volgorde data was verkry vir die meeste van die monsters beskikbaar en kern mikrosatelliet variasie was bepaal vir ‘n gedeelte van individue waar voldoende monster groottes beskikbaar was. Filogeografiese strukturering van die materne mitochondriale merker was oorspronklik versteek deur die ko-amplifikasie van ‘n naby verwante ‘numt’. Om die ko-amplifikasie te oorkom is die ‘numt’ geïdentifiseer en mtDNS spesifieke voorvoerders is ontwerp. Mitochondriale DNS resultate is gebaseer op die mees veranderlike 230 bp van die ‘control region’ (waar die DNS volgorde vir 78 individue bepaal is) en vyf polimorfiese kern mikrosatelliet merkers (in 55 individue). Analises, wat gebruik maak van kern en mitochondriale data, toon wel ‘n patroon van isolasie deur afstand, maar ook ‘n duidelike sigbare filogeograpfiese strukturering tussen oostelike en suidelike Afrika. Hierdie is geïnterpreteer as vikariansie, heel waarskynlik ge-assosieer deur berg verskuiwings en klimaatsveranderinge deur die Pleistocene. Analises ondersteun die identifikasie van definitiewe verkillende bestuurseenhede vir oostelike en suidelike Afrika maar sekere bewyse bestaan dat sekondêre introgressie tussen streke bestaan. Dit word aanbeveel dat translokasies tussen hierdie geografiese areas voorkom moet word. Binne geografiese areas, as gevolg van ‘n algemene patroon van isolasie deur afstand, is dit aanbeveel dat individue vir verplasing van nabygeleë populasies moet wees. In sommige gevalle het filogeografiese strukturering ooreen gestem met subspesies kategorieë, maar verdere materiaal is nodig voor definitiewe taksonomiese besluite geneem kan word.

Here, a morphological description of the extinct meline badger Arctomeles dimolodontus from the Gray Fossil Site (GFS), Tennessee is provided with comparison to extant Meles meles. Originally described solely on upper teeth of a single individual, the recovery of several crania and jaws provides a sample of at least five individuals, affording the largest known fossil sample in North America of the enigmatic Melinae. Examination of A. dimolodontus skull material reveals extreme intraspecific variation in previously identified diagnostic characters, highlighting the need for caution when identifying fossil taxa based on similarly fragmentary remains. Dental variation is likely a result of hypocarnivory, and dentition may have become more complex over time in response to diet. Based on cranial characters, A. dimolodontus appears to be sexually dimorphic, similarly to extant badgers. Arctomeles dimolodontus has a complex auditory region with large bullae compared to M. meles, suggesting relatively heightened auditory sensitivity.

<p>Det här är en studie med syftet att ta reda på hur grävlingar reagerar på att vistas i fälla och om det kan påvisas att djuren upplever stress. Fällvistelserna har varit korta och långa, under dagtid samt nattetid. Grävlingarnas beteenden, hjärtfrekvens och kroppstemperatur har studerats. I materialet finns även en metod för insamling av underlag till stresshormon analys. Datainsamling har gjorts dels under vistelsen i fälla, men även under de närmast följande dygnen efteråt samt under en avslutande period av naturligt beteende. Grävlingarna i studien var fyra honor och uppfödda i hägn och var vad jag kallar människovana. För att studera beteende har grävlingarna filmats och materialet analyserats. För telemetri (hjärtfrekvens och kroppstemperatur) har utrustning med sändare inopererade i buken på grävlingarna använts. Min slutsats är att grävlingarna blev påverkade av vistelsen i fällan. Det yttrade sig i en ökad hjärtfrekvens och hög fysisk aktivitet. Ökad hjärtfrekvens uppmättes även hos grävlingar som till synes var lugna vilket visar att de var påverkade fast det inte syns på beteendet. Grävlingarna var något aktivare under nattbehandlingarna än under dagbehandlingarna. </p><p>Då resultaten i den här studien tyder på att djuren lider, bör reglerna för kontroll och användande av fälla undersökas närmare.</p>