Overwintering of European hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in a Danish rural area

• Autorzy: Jensen A. B.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Ten radio-tagged hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) were monitored during the winter of 2001/2002 in a Danish rural area. The study was aimed at measuring parameters essential for hibernation success and the fate of the mainly juvenile hedgehogs being recorded. The average duration of hibernation was found to be 179 days for juveniles (n = 6) and 198 days for adult females (n = 3). The most often used nesting habitat types were forested areas (55%). The hedgehogs typically used 2 nests during the hibernation period, but up to 4 different nests used by one hedgehog were found. Time spent in different nests varied considerably (6-187 days). The average weight loss during hibernation was 22.1% for juveniles and 30.2% for adult females. Minimum body mass sufficient for survival was registered to be 513 g prior to hibernation. Nine of the hedgehogs survived until departure from their hibernacula, while the fate of 1 juvenile is unknown. Indication was thus found that the minimum weight required to survive the winter has previously been overestimated.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

hedgehog; overwintering; rural area; hibernation period; European hedgehog; nesting habitat; Erinaceus europaeus; Denmark; body mass change; survival

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 2004
• Tom: 49
• Numer: 2
• Opis fizyczny: p.145-155,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Jensen A. B.

• The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

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