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General hunting seasons of European badger Meles meles in Europe. The percentages in the pie chart indicate the range share of a given legal status of the badger. Countries where hunting season differs between regions (Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland) classified as explained in Methods, more detailed data presented in Table 1. Updated to 30 June 2020.
Source publication
The European badger plays an important role as a natural factor shaping species diversity in forests. Its extensive setts can be used by many other animals as shelters. Soil perturbations in their setts support plant communities that differ from the matrix landscape. The badger is also an effective seed disperser. We investigated its role as an eco...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... federations with regionally regulated hunting laws, Figure 1 presents the minimal and maximal hunting season (Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland; see also Table 1). For the analysis presented in the map in Figure 2, countries with hunting season regulated only regionally were classified according to the hunting season that prevails at the state's area (Austria). Other federal countries (France, Germany, and Switzerland) were classified according to the general hunting season as their overriding federal law stated. ...
Context 2
... federal countries (France, Germany, and Switzerland) were classified according to the general hunting season as their overriding federal law stated. For the analysis presenting the percentages of areas in Europe with different hunting seasons (pie chart in Figure 2), more detailed regional data were used for all federal countries (see Table 1). Before 2014, an additional summer hunting season 01.05-31.07 was allowed (except females with cubs). ...
Context 3
... are classified as protected species in several countries (Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Portugal, Figure 2). An intermediate situation occurs in Italy, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Greece, where its status is unclear, as it is not subject to species protection and, at the same time it is not a game species and, de jure, it cannot be hunted. ...
Context 4
... to the area of Europe, the species is protected by law (or at least not hunted) in 30.7% of the range analysed in this study (Figure 2). In 27.3% of the area of Europe, hunting is permitted during a very long hunting season of more than half a year (from late summer to late winter) that covers the time when females are just before or during parturition. ...
Context 5
... 27.3% of the area of Europe, hunting is permitted during a very long hunting season of more than half a year (from late summer to late winter) that covers the time when females are just before or during parturition. Badgers are still hunted year-round in at least 2.1% of the study area (Figure 2). In reality, this percentage is even higher as some countries with shorter overall hunting seasons have recognised exceptions to this rule and badger hunting has been allowed all year round, i.e., in regions where capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, black grouse Lyrurus tetrix, hazel grouse Tetrastes bonasia and partridge Perdix perdix breed (Poland, Czechia) or close to human settlements and hen farms (Sweden) ( Table 1). ...
Citations
... Budući da ova vrsta iskopava jame u kojima provodi deo života (up. Kurek et al. 2022), treba uzeti u obzir mogućnost da kosti iz arheoloških slojeva potiču od uginulih životinja, odnosno da ne predstavljaju rezultat deponovanja od strane čoveka. Ipak, postojanje traga kasapljenja na jednom humerusu i nalaz grupe od pet metakarpalnih kostiju (verovatno od jedne šape), sa lokaliteta Stari vinogradi (Radišić 2022, 70-81) ukazuju na lov ove vrste. ...
During the human history, hunting has been an important economic and social activity, requiring various techniques and hunting equipment. In the literature discussing the Late Iron Age of the South Pannonian Danube valley, the hunting strategies and the importance and meaning of wild animals are rarely discussed. In order to better understand this aspect of life, this paper reconsiders the already existing archaeo-zoological data on wild animals from the settlements, as well as the objects usually interpreted as hunting equipment, as indicators of the hunting strategies, the mode of usage and the social role of wild animals, along with the potential status differences among the settlements of the Late La Tène period. On the grounds of the acquired data, it may be concluded that hunting was a regular activity in the majority of the Late La Tène settlements in the South Pannonian Danube valley. The differences in the frequency of wild animals in the settlements in Bačka and Banat, compared to the ones in Srem, may be interpreted as the consequence of differing economic/social strategies, and not as a sign of marked differences in the availability of resources. The results have shown that the high percentage of game animals is not restricted solely to the fortified settlements. However, the traces of aurochs and brown bear, registered only in the fortified settlements, as well as the preference towards hunting large wild boar males registered at Židovar, may be the indicators of the groups of inhabitants with higher social and economic capacities situated in the fortified sites. Although on the central European sites of the same period the high frequency of wild animals is not a common trait, on a number of spatially close sites in Romania a similar archaeo-zoological situation is registered and interpreted as the indicator of the presence of the elites. This interpretation is plausible, but it should also be taken into account that in the case of the settlements analyzed in this paper other potential causes may be cited, such as the times of crisis and the decrease in the number of the domesticated animals. This interpretation is plausible, but it should also be taken into account that in the case of the settlements analyzed in this paper other potential causes may be cited, such as the times of crisis and the decrease in the number of the domesticated animals visible in the archaeo-zoological assemblages. It is necessary, however, to bear in mind that the registered archaeo-zoological situation need not be explained by the same reasons on all the sites. Namely, although the period in question spans just over one century, the Late La Tène is the time of dynamic and perpetually changing internal and external relations, causing the changes in the subsistence strategies as well. The data on the hunting equipment is very scarce. Since very few finds are associated to these activities, it is necessary to conduct more detailed specialized studies, not only of the metal objects, but also of the ones made of other material, that may be associated to the hunting practices (e.g. net weights, bone and lithic projectiles).
... The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is among the most prevalent medium-sized carnivores throughout Europe [6], where it mainly inhabits woodlands [7,8]. Despite their typically shy and elusive behavior towards humans, badgers, along with other wildlife, are regularly found near human settlements, influenced by factors such as habitat loss and food availability [7,9]. ...
Background
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are increasing in significance in veterinary medicine and public health settings, with wildlife playing a potentially crucial role in their transmission. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are widely distributed across Europe. However, information currently available on the prevalence of VBPs in badgers is limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Piroplasmida, Trypanosomatida and Filarioidea in badgers and subsequently, based on the results, assess the potential risk to domestic animals, other wildlife and humans.
Methods
Between 2017 and 2021, blood or spleen samples from 220 badgers were collected in nine continental European countries: Austria (n = 7), Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 2), Croatia (n = 22), France (n = 44), Germany (n = 16), Hungary (n = 7), Italy (n = 16), Romania (n = 80) and Serbia (n = 26). VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing. Additionally, to distinguish between different Babesia lineages we performed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis on piroplasm-positive samples, using HinfI as restriction enzyme. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp.
Results
The pathogens identified were Babesia sp. badger type A (54%), B (23%), and C (37%); Trypanosoma pestanai (56%); Mycoplasma sp. (34%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomelis (8%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum (0.5%); and Ehrlichia spp. (2%). Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp. and filarioid nematodes were not detected among the tested samples.
Conclusions
The large sample size and diverse study populations in this study provide valuable insights into the distribution and epidemiology of the analyzed pathogens. Some of the VBPs identified in our study show high similarity to those found in domestic animals, such as dogs. This finding suggests that badgers, as potential reservoirs for these pathogens, may pose a threat not only to other wildlife but also to domestic animals in close vicinity. Continuous surveillance is essential to monitor VBPs in wildlife as a means to enable the assessment of their impact on other wildlife species, domestic animals and human health.
Graphical Abstract
... The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is among the most prevalent medium-sized carnivores throughout Europe [6], where it mainly inhabits woodlands [7,8]. Despite their typically shy and elusive behavior towards humans, badgers, along with other wildlife, are regularly found near human settlements, influenced by factors such as habitat loss and food availability [7,9]. ...
... Moreover, the consumption of fruits by badgers makes them focal elements of the ecosystem: through seed dispersal, they play an important role as ecosystem engineers shaping vegetation diversity [67]. ...
The European badger is a highly adaptable species, inhabiting a range of environments across Europe, from woodlands to urban areas, with its behaviour influenced by environmental conditions and human activities. This study examines the badger feeding habits, patterns of diel activity, and sett site choice in northwestern Italy, assessing how landscape composition affects these behaviours. We conducted our research across seven study areas in northern Italy from December 2020 to November 2022, utilising camera trapping, faeces analysis, and sett surveys. Our findings revealed significant dietary variation, with earthworms being the primary food source in natural landscapes, while fleshy fruits being consumed especially in mixed and heavily modified landscapes, up to constitute the staple of the diet in one agricultural area. Badgers were found to be nocturnal, primarily active between sunset and sunrise. Setts varied considerably in structure and location, with a preference for natural grounds over human-made structures; key factors influencing sett site choice included slope, exposure, and vegetation cover. This study underscores the European badger's remarkable adaptability, illustrating how its diet, activity patterns, and sett site preferences are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, allowing the species to thrive in both pristine and modified environments across northern Italy.
... These clearly defined preferences of the badger and its actual image as a typical forest dweller are still widespread throughout Europe (Piza-Roca et al. 2014). Considering that the badger is widespread in many regions of Europe (Kurek et al. 2022) and to some extent can be considered a true multi-environmental species, very little is still known about the conditions under which it locates its setts in open areas. ...
Reports on the location of badger setts generally focussed on woodland habitats and paid little attention to open areas. There was a negative correlation between the number of setts in open landscape and the proportion of forest cover with an inflection point at 25–35%. A higher proportion of badger setts in open habitats is observed when forest cover is below the inflection point. The location of setts in the open landscape results from the dominance of these habitats and the low availability of woodland and that is a permanent aspect of badger behaviour and not a short-term trend.
... It is therefore often a subject of persecution. Even so, for a long time it is also a priced game animal hunted in most (69%) European countries (Kurek et al. 2022). However, in UK, Ireland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Belarus and Albania it is protected all year round. ...
... However, in UK, Ireland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Belarus and Albania it is protected all year round. In 19 European countries it is also listed in Red Lists (Kurek et al. 2022). ...
Based on hunting bags records from the years 1981–2020, distribution,
numbers and population dynamics of the badger was analysed in in SW Poland
(29 358 km2, including 8411 km2 forests). Before 1999, the badger was harvested
in SW Poland only occasionally. From 1999 till 2020, there was a steady increase
from c. 200 in 1999 to c. 1100 in 2019. This increase in harvesting was a result of
a parallel increase in numbers of badgers between 1996 (1000 individuals) to
2013 (c. 6500 individuals). Crude population density of the badger in SW Poland
in 2001-2020 was everywhere below 1 ind./1000 ha of the total area. The
ecological density, however, ranged from 0.2 to 6.1 ind./100 ha of total wooded
area.
The small mammalian fauna plays pivotal roles in ecosystem dynamics and as crucial biodiversity indicators. However, recent research has raised concerns about the decline of mammalian species due to climate change. Consequently, significant attention is directed toward studying various big flagship mammalian species for conservation. However, small mammals such as the hog badgers (Mustelidae: Arctonyx) remain understudied regarding the impacts of climate change in Asia. The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of climate change effects on two mainland hog badger species, utilizing ensemble species distribution modeling. Findings reveal concerning outcomes, as only 52% of the IUCN extent is deemed suitable for the Great Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) and a mere 17% is ideal for the Northern Hog Badger (Arctonyx albogularis). Notably, projections suggest a potential reduction of over 26% in suitable areas for both species under future climate scenarios, with the most severe decline anticipated in the high‐emission scenario of SSP585. These declines translate into evident habitat fragmentation, particularly impacting A. collaris, whose patches shrink substantially, contrasting with the relatively stable patches of A. albogularis. However, despite their differences, niche overlap analysis reveals an intriguing increase in overlap between the two species, indicating potential ecological shifts. The study underscores the importance of integrating climate change and habitat fragmentation considerations into conservation strategies, urging a reassessment of the IUCN status of A. albogularis. The insights gained from this research are crucial for improving protection measures by ensuring adequate legal safeguards and maintaining ecological corridors between viable habitat patches, which are essential for the conservation of hog badgers across mainland Asia. Furthermore, emphasizing the urgency of proactive efforts, particularly in countries with suitable habitats can help safeguard these small mammalian species and their ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of climate change.
Simple Summary
Hanging nest boxes, which are used by various groups of animals such as birds or mammals (e.g., dormice and bats), increase the number of shelters and breeding places for these often rare animals. Nest boxes not only become habitats for the host, but are also inhabited by various groups of invertebrates, including insects, spiders, millipedes, snails, and also small arachnids, which are mites. In this article, we present an analysis of the community of one of the groups of mites—Uropodina—which also inhabit nest boxes. In the examined boxes, five species belonging to the discussed group were found, out of which only one (Leiodinychus orbicularis) is a nidicole, i.e., a species that inhabits the nests of various animals. This article also analyses the habitat preferences of the mentioned species and another Uropodina species associated with nests—Apionoseius infirmus. It was proven that L. orbicularis clearly dominated both in the examined dormouse, bat, and bird boxes, whereas A. infirmus, which was less numerous in the communities, preferred natural nests, including the nests of birds of prey. The clear dominance of L. orbicularis in the examined boxes can be explained by the specific microclimate, such as very low humidity, which prevails in the boxes.
Abstract
Bird and mammal nests and nest boxes constitute microenvironments in which various groups of invertebrates can live, including mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The main aim of the current study was to ascertain the characteristics of mite communities from the suborder Uropodina, which inhabit the nests of dormice (Gliridae) built in nest boxes. The second aim of the study was to compare the habitat preferences of Leiodinychus orbicularis (C. L. Koch) and Apionoseius infirmus (Berlese), i.e., two typically nest-dwelling species of Uropodina. The material for the study was collected from nest boxes in six forest complexes in southwestern Poland. The conducted research revealed the presence of five species of Uropodina, with a total number of 559 specimens, in the examined boxes. Leiodinychus orbicularis was found in almost half of all of the examined boxes and was a superdominant species in the communities. The analysis of the habitat preferences of the two nest species of Uropodina showed that A. infirmus preferred old natural nests, in which the communities were formed from a larger number of species, without a significant statistical prevalence of one species. On the other hand, L. orbicularis occurred sporadically in open bird nests, but was very numerous and frequent in nest boxes. The significant dominance of L. orbicularis in nest boxes can probably be explained by the specific conditions prevailing in this type of microhabitat, including the very low humidity and food resources that this mite species prefers compared to other species of Uropodina.
The goal of this report is modelling the occurrence for carnivores at the European scale and to compare the output of occurrence with observed hunting yield (HY) density models for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and badger (Meles meles). Random Forest function was used for modelling occurrence of species. Occurrences available from the past 30 years (1990‐2020), and HY data (period 2012‐2021) from records submitted to ENETWILD were considered for modelling. Like previous models based on HY for ungulates, the response variable was the maximum number of carnivores hunted in that period divided by the area in km² of the corresponding administrative unit (HY density). Models based on HY were statistically downscaled to make predictions to 10x10 km². Occurrence data models indicated a good predictive performance for most species, showing that the model framework proposed for ungulates can also be applied for carnivores. Realistic distribution maps of carnivore species were achieved under this framework, except for those ones which are expanding their range, the golden jackal (Canis aureus), or those considered alien species, raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides); or those having a very limited distribution as the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) or the steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii): in those cases the obtained models were underestimating their suitability in Europe. Suitability has potential to be used as a proxy for abundance of red fox and badger. Validation of suitability on HY suggested the potential to be used as a proxy for abundance of red fox and badger but depending on each species. The calibration plots for HY models showed a good and linear predictive performance for fox and badger as well as an expected pattern of abundance of species, according to the data. However, differences in type of hunting and regulations in game carnivores between countries must be playing an important role in the patterns obtained. We conclude that (i) the framework developed for modelling ungulates distribution generally well fit to carnivores species, (ii) the predicted suitability were realistic for all carnivores, but alien invasive species, limited distributed species and species expanding its range, and (iii) HY model projections displayed good abundance patterns for red fox and badger, showing that the frameworks proposed for wild ungulates were a good approximation for modelling the distribution of carnivores HY. As a future step, we need to explore how to improve the results when the unavailability of hunting activity for some species limits the extrapolation to other regions.
