A non-invasive technique for identifying individual badgers Meles meles

Author: DIXON D.R.

Source: Mammal Review, Volume 33, Number 1, March 2003 , pp. 92-94(3)

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Abstract:

Individual badgers Meles meles can be reliably identified in the field on the basis of variation in the appearance of the tail. Tests of the technique using video surveillance demonstrated that in 95% of instances individuals were identified correctly on the basis of tail patterns. It is possible that tail patterns and posture may be a significant means of communication in this species.

Keywords: individual variation; social behaviour; tagging; tail pattern; video observation

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2907.2003.00001.x

Affiliations: 1: Benhay, 100 Furzehatt Road, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 8QY, UK. dixonfamily@btinternet.com

Publication date: 2003-03-01