| Abstract [eng] |
In this paper analyzed and summarized abundance status of the burrowing carnivorous mammals in Lithuania; estimated badger density and distribution in different regions of the country; analyzed similarities and differences of the burrowing carnivorous mammals habitat selection and foods niches. Ecological characteristics of the burrowing carnivorous mammal’s setts were estimated in Vištytis Regional Park (2007 - 2010 years). The results showed that the abundance of the burrowing carnivorous mammals in the last two decades has increased. Badger abundance in different regions of Lithuania was very varied (from 0.3 to 7.6 ind./1000 ha). In different landscape of Lithuania badger densities were different, but the differences were not statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis test: H=2.5, p>0.05). The burrowing carnivorous mammal requirements of biotopes were different: badgers chose wooded biotopes, foxes - more open biotopes. Raccoon dogs did not avoid or wooded or open areas. All of these burrowing carnivorous mammals share many foods resources, suggesting that competition may occur among them; however, their diets also differ to some extent, which helps them to avoid competition. Setts size in Lithuania was varied (1-37 holes). Approximately in 22% setts are found in several together living burrowing carnivorous mammal species. In Vištytis regional park badgers usually select loam (50%) and sandy loam (30%) soils for setts digging, foxes choose sandy soils (80%). The largest part of setts is positioned to south and southwest direction. |
