Studies On Population Ecology Of Badger (Meles Meles) In Suburb Of Shanghai

Badger(Meles meles) is a medium-size animal,it belongs to Mammalia, Carnivora,Mustelidac,Meles,only species of Meles.As the key mammal of the suburb in Shanghai,the badger plays important role in biodiversity.In history,there were relatively abundant mammals in Shanghai,but in recent decades of developing into an international city,the habitat of badger was losing and the badger was in a state of distinct.So conservation of the badger in Shanghai,and recovering the population of badger is important to protect the biodiversity of Shanghai and build a modern ecological city.Researches on the distribution pattern,population number,habitat selection, activity,food habit and behaviour of badger were carried out in March 2006 to April 2009 in Shanghai.The results showed that:1.The activities of badgers in the suburbs of Shanghai were observed by infrared video from January 2007 to January 2008.The results showed that the badger emergences from sett were concentrated between 19:00 and 22:00,the activity of returns to sett were concentrated between 2:00 and 4:00.The average activity time of badger in the outside of sett was about 6 hours per day.There were significant differences in the seasonal duration of the activities.In fail,the activities in the outside of sett for the duration were 8.23 hours,while the winter activities for the shortest duration was 3.11hours.Research showed lhat the badger lived in the suburbs of Shanghai had no hibernation.2.The distribution and density of badger in Shanghai was estimated by gathering information about the location of badger setts with a questionnaire survey.Setts were sited preferentially in bamboo forest habitat.Badgers are separated into 6 areas of 2 counties,they are:Xidu and Zhuanghang of Fengxian,Tianma Mountain,Sheshan, Tagang,Nanmen of Songjiang County.The mean minimum group size was 4 badgers, so we estimated the population of badger in Shanghai is 28. 3.We investigatcd thc direction,size,use or not,and shelter of the entrances,then discussed the relation between these factors and population and status of badger.4.To investigate the agricultural damage,a questionnaire survey was conducted in 2007 to determine the cxtent and significance of badger damage in Fengxian.Badger damage was widespread,but its incidence was highly dependent on crop type.Results showed that the large number of crop types was damaged as follows:melons,corn, and peanut.The farthest farm was 750m away from the main sett.5.It is the right time that some measures should be taken to conserve wild badger now.Based on the results of our research,we give some suggestion.Firstly,we should revise the local law of protecting badger.Secondly,we should protect the habitat of badger.Thirdly,we should construct the ecological corridor for the communication of population gene.At last we should reset the local nature reserve to conserve the badger.