Wyniki wyszukiwania

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Habitat preferences of the native badger and the invasive raccoon dog in southern Finland

100%

Kauhala K., Auttila M.

Acta Theriologica

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2010

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tom 55

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nr 3

231-240

We compared the habitat preferences of the alien raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) and the native badger Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) in two areas (Ruissalo and Tuulos) in southern Finland by radio-tracking the animals during summer from 2005 to 2008. We assumed that the habitat preferences of these two medium-sized carnivores differ to some extent (ie they are able to share the resources), because they have been sympatric for more than 50 years in southern Finland and populations of both species have increased during that period. The results indicated that the habitat preferences of these species are indeed different: raccoon dogs favoured meadows, gardens and open woodlands with tall and abundant undergrowth, whereas badgers favoured both pine forests and deciduous and mixed forests with thick canopy but sparse undergrowth. However, fields were favoured by both species in one study area (Tuulos). The results show that although both species are flexible in their habitat use and share some habitat preferences, the most favoured habitats differ between the species.

2

Nesting patterns of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) under northern conditions

80%

Rautio A., Valtonen A., Auttila M., Kunnasranta M.

Acta Theriologica

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2014

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tom 59

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nr 1

Little information exists on the nesting of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the harsh northern environment, although this aspect has specific importance for the species’ survival in this region. We studied the nest types and nesting site selection of radio tagged hedgehogs in urban areas in Eastern Finland. Altogether, four different nest types were discovered and one of them (the pre-hibernation nest) is described here for the first time. Hedgehogs preferred residential areas for nesting during the mating and post-mating seasons while in the pre-hibernation season and hibernation period nesting was more common in forest areas. Nest constructions were closely related to materials found in the nest vicinity. During the active period, males used on average 24 nests and changed them 30 times, whereas females used 17 nests and changed them 26 times. The number of female nests and frequency of nest change increased from post-mating to pre-hibernation seasons, while in males both decreased. In general, female and male nests were situated within their established long-term home range, but in the pre-hibernation season over 30 % of male nests were situated outside of it. In post-mating and pre-hibernation seasons, females avoided other individuals of the same sex; this was demonstrated by the lack of nests in other female core areas. Hedgehogs hibernate for around 223 days, which is the longest reported hibernation period for this species. The results of the present study emphasise the importance of forest and diverse residential areas including forest patches for the hedgehog’s nesting habitat.

3

Habitat impact on raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides home range size in southern Finland

80%

Kauhala K., Schregel J., Auttila M.

Acta Theriologica

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2010

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tom 55

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nr 4

Monogamous canid home range size is often negatively correlated with population density. Home range size, in turn, may be affected by the habitat. Here we examined landscape features that may affect home range size of the invasive raccoon dogNyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834), an important vector of diseases and parasites in Europe. The aim was thus to reveal the habitats where population density and the risk for epizootics is highest. We radio tracked 42 raccoon dogs in three areas in southern Finland between 2001 and 2007. There was an inverse relationship between home range size and the proportions of meadows and gardens, as well as habitat richness. Also mixed forests were more common in areas where home ranges were small. The risk for epizootics, such as rabies, is thus highest in areas which constitute of a mosaic of small patches of meadows, gardens and mixed forests. The preventive measures, such as bait vaccinations, against epizootics should therefore be concentrated in these areas which are mainly in and around villages.

Ograniczanie wyników

3 Acta Theriologica

3 Auttila M.

2 Kauhala K.

1 Kunnasranta M.

1 Rautio A.

1 Schregel J.

1 Valtonen A.

1 2014

2 2010

Habitat preferences of the native badger and the invasive raccoon dog in southern Finland

Nesting patterns of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) under northern conditions

Habitat impact on raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides home range size in southern Finland