Landscape change as a possible cause of the badger Meles meles L. decline in The Netherlands

Abstract

This study analyses the considerable decline of the badger Meles meles population in The Netherlands. Between 1960 and 1980 the number of used setts decreased by more than 30%. Changes in the landscape from 1960 to 1980 were thought to be an important cause of this decline. In 20 years many small landscape elements such as hedgerows, old orchards and small woods have been cleared, while the network of roads and traffic have increased. Three statistical analyses were carried out to relate the change in the number of used badger setts to the change in landscape, the latter expressed in several variables measured on topographical maps. The number of roads was most closely related to the decline of the badger. The change in the number of small landscape elements appeared to be of minor importance. The number of badger setts has declined more in open landscape than in woodland.