Density estimation, family group size and recruitment in a badger population near Rogów (Central Poland)

Abstract

During a 16-year period the density of badgers in Central Poland increased frorn 1.6 individuals/km² of forest area in 1979 to 2.6 individuals/km² in 1995. This increase was associated with forrnation of new farnilies. The rnean nurnber of young per breeding fernale was estirnated at three, and the annual recruitrnent of young at 0.68 per adult animal. The average farnily size was approxirnately 3.5 (young and adults) or 2.1 (only adults) individuals.