Defining key habitats for low density populations of Eurasian badgers in Mediterranean environments

Abstract

Populations of Eurasian badgers ( Meles meles) living in Mediterranean ecosystems are of conservation concern. Deciduous forests are considered the main habitats of these badger populations in mountains, but key habitats for badgers have not been distinguished in Mediterranean lowlands. We provide a quantitative analysis of the overall habitat selection and preferences of Eurasian badgers in a Mediterranean area (Doñana, SW Spain). Data on 17 radiomarked animals in a rabbit-based population and three animals from another population with no single staple food were analysed by compositional analysis for determining selection and preference order, and Jacobs' index for absolute preference/avoidance. Results indicate that, in the rabbit-based area, badgers preferred well-preserved Mediterranean scrubland at every level of the analysis. In the area where badgers had no staple food there was no clear pattern. Rabbit abundance explained a significant amount of variance of the Jacobs' index in the rabbit-based area at all levels of the analysis. It is concluded that badgers are selecting those habitat types which hold key resources, such us food or shelter. Thus, not only deciduous forest and associated pastures, but also scrubland holding healthy rabbit populations are key habitats for Mediterranean badgers living in the Iberian peninsula.