Prey abundance of the European badger, Meles meles L., in north-east Scotland

Abstract

The earthworm Lumbricus terrestris is the mean prey species of the European badger (M. meles L.). The abundance of L. terrestris is described for 9 study areas in northeast Scotland, with a view to understanding why badger numbers are low in this region. Abundance of L. terrestris was assessed by formalin sampling different vegetation types within each study area. Based on the earthworm abundance data, expected badger population levels were calculated and compared with actual badger density in each of the study areas. L. terrestris appeared to be superabundant in most of the study areas. Availability to the badger is greatly reduced by climatic influences. In some areas, actual abundance of L. terrestris is probably limiting the badger population. Elsewhere, human interference may be responsible for the low badger numbers.