The aim of the present paper was to compare the picture of habitat selection obtained by using 1) different home ranges and core areas and 2) different methods (compositional analysis, Jacobs index and selection ratio), in radio-tracking studies of mammals. The experimental animal was the Eurasian badger Meles meles, radio-tracked in southern Finland in 2006-2007. The total home ranges used in the study, minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95% fixed kernel home range (K95) differed in size, MCP being larger. Therefore its habitat composition resembled more that of the landscape, and comparison between K95 and the study area revealed better habitat selection within the landscape (second order selection). The proportions of two common habitat types (fields and spruce forests) differed between the core areas used in the study. Comparison between the smallest core area (K50) and MCP revealed best habitat preferences within the home range (third order habitat selection). Comparing the distribution of individual location points in different habitats to the habitat composition of home ranges did not reveal habitat preferences of badgers. The use of compositional analysis together with Jacobs index in habitat selection studies is recommended, because the simple selection ratio was not very sensitive.
Habitat preferences of nine adult raccoon dogs were investigated during different seasons using compositional analysis after
Aebischer et al. (1993). The study area (33 km²) with its mosaic landscape of forest and farmland was located in Southern Brandenburg
in eastern Germany (13°56′ E, 51°37' N). For analysis eight habitat categories were distinguished. Grassland and coniferous woods
were favoured both within 95 % fixed-kernel (K95) and within core areas (K50). Grassland offered food at most times of the year and particularly after harvesting of fields. Abandoned badger dens located in coniferous woods within K50 were used by raccoon dogs all year round whereas they apparently avoided anthropogenic structures. Other habitat categories were used randomly and we detected no seasonal differences in relative usage. Such heterogeneous agricultural landscapes dominate the central and western European landscape. Furthermore, short winters and low density of top predators provide beneficial living conditions for raccoon dogs. Its
flexibility in habitat use, omnivorous diet and ability to disperse over long distances facilitate a further expansion of the raccoon dog in
western and southern Europe.
A study of home range and habitat use was carried out on grey partridge (Perdix perdix) in a high density population (24–33 pairs /km2) in the south-west part of Praha, Czech Republic from 1997 to 1999. Radiotracking of individual partridge was used in the study (n = 11). Breeding period (March – June 15) and post-breeding period (June 16 – October) were analysed separately. Home range size (minimum convex polygon 95%) in the breeding period averaged 3.7 ha with a significant increase up to 8.7 ha in the post-breeding period. The majority of partridge ranges were located within dominant crop fields and idle habitats (unmanaged early stages of plant succession) referred to as weeds. Both high population density and small individual home ranges may result from the wide availability of weeds, whose attractiveness was probably due to availability of nesting sites, sufficient food supply for both partridge chicks and adults and adequate escape cover. Despite a high population density, there is an indication of little home range overlaps between pairs during the breeding period.