PLAN for the management of the badger population in the Republic of Belarus
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
This plan is developed for the purpose of consistent development, preservation, and use of the common badger population in the Republic of Belarus, and for restoring its numbers to a level that guarantees its conservation. The common badger is included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a species with a "favorable status," meaning it is not endangered and is relatively widespread with generally stable populations. In Central and Western Europe, the common badger population has been growing in recent decades, although in some areas with intensive economic activity, its numbers have significantly decreased and continue to decline due to habitat loss or its extermination as a "pest." The conservation status of the common badger varies across different countries: in some countries, it is a protected species, in others, it is a game species, and in yet others, it is classified as a pest animal and is therefore subject to strict control.
Observation data in the Republic of Belarus indicate a significant improvement in the status of the common badger population in recent years. Following another catastrophic decline in numbers in the 2010s, the current population has reached the level of 1981 (2800 individuals), still has a rather low density, and is highly variable in annual and territorial aspects. The common badger is absent from many areas with suitable habitats.
Principles for the implementation of the common badger population management plan in the Republic of Belarus:
to conserve and maintain a viable population of the common badger in the Republic of Belarus in the long term (actions aimed at species conservation and elimination of potential population threat factors);
to organize a data collection and analysis system for assessing the current status of the common badger population (numbers, distribution, demographic characteristics, diseases) for management decision-making.
The implementation of this plan involves carrying out activities in accordance with the appendix.
CHAPTER 2
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMMON BADGER
The Common Badger (Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) – Class – Mammalia, Order – Carnivora, Family – Mustelidae) is an indigenous species of the fauna of the Republic of Belarus.
The demographic characteristics of the common badger population are characterized by the fact that common badgers live both in families and solitarily, and are monogamous. Common badgers reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age. Pairs are formed in the autumn, but mating and fertilization occur at different times, usually from March to September. Pregnancy lasts 271-376 days, with a latent stage in embryonic development. Whelping occurs in February-March. Up to 6, usually 3-4 offspring are born.
In terms of diet, the common badger is a typical omnivore, consuming a variety of foods, including food of anthropogenic origin. In the Republic of Belarus, the main food sources are small rodents, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles, insects and their larvae, mollusks, carrion, fruits, berries, and cereal crops (oats, corn), etc. Feeding is seasonal: in early spring and late autumn, its diet is dominated by animal feed, most often carrion of wild ungulates and small mammals, which are easiest to find during this period. Then, the proportion of plant-based foods and insects increases. From late August to October, there is a wide selection of food resources, and the common badger feeds intensively on berries (bilberry, lingonberry, cranberry, raspberry, etc.), acorns, apples, and plums, gaining weight.
CHAPTER 3
LANDSCAPE DISTRIBUTION, NUMBERS, AND POPULATION DENSITY
The landscape-biotope distribution of the common badger is characterized by the fact that the common badger inhabits a wide variety of geographical zones, but is found mainly in mixed and taiga forests. It is distributed throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Belarus, but is characterized by uneven distribution. It usually inhabits forest areas and is rarely found in the vicinity of cities and intensively used agricultural landscapes, although in the warm season it may temporarily move to fields near forests and river valleys. The common badger inhabits deciduous, mixed, and pine dry forests growing in hilly terrain with dry, easily diggable soils with a deep groundwater level.
The European badger is known as an important ecosystem engineer, creating new microhabitats through its digging activities, which are suitable for the establishment of many plant and animal species. In the Republic of Belarus, European badger settlements are diverse, are used differently in territories with varying landscape characteristics, are inhabited by small European badger families (2-5 individuals), and reproduction has been noted in many of them. In recent years, an increase in the occupancy of old settlements and the appearance of new ones has been observed, although the number of European badgers in them is small, most often two individuals. The highest number of European badgers is observed in the Vitebsk region (51% of the total population), followed by the Grodno, Minsk, and Gomel regions (10-19%), and the lowest in the Mogilev and Brest regions (4-5%).
The approaches used for counting the European badger are based on identifying occupied setts and estimating the number of individuals using them. Due to the species' biology (not all setts are occupied annually, seasonal movements between setts, absence of cubs, etc.), this labor-intensive method yields rather inaccurate data. According to research, the European badger lives a family or clan-based life, with one, sometimes two or three breeding females, and typically 1-4 other individuals (though potentially more) per clan, utilizing several setts – from 1-3 to several tens. In the natural conditions of the Republic of Belarus, a European badger clan occupies a considerable territory – approximately 20-50 km2. It is this clan that should be the unit of counting for this species, which, along with determining clan composition, will provide a picture of the European badger's distribution and a realistic assessment of its population size. Counting the European badger solely based on the registration of setts where paw prints of this predator are found will lead to a significant overestimation of their numbers, while not knowing the location of all setts will conversely lead to an underestimation. Only when the natural complex is sparsely populated by European badgers is it clear where one clan ends. As the population density of the European badger increases, it becomes completely unclear where the territory of one clan ends and another begins, requiring knowledge of all its setts and tracking the number of individuals in them and their movements. In Western Europe, European badger counts are conducted either by annual mass live-trapping with individuals marked with paint and tattoos, or based on the widespread use of photo and video equipment, telemetry, and the efforts of many people.
Main challenges in counting the European badger in the country:
lack of user interest in reliable data due to the species' protected status and, consequently, its low commercial value;
absence of a unified special methodology for counting the European badger population and often low qualification of counters, or unwillingness to disclose the presence of badger setts in hunting grounds;
counting requires a significant number of man-hours, as well as the availability of vehicles. There may be duplication of data from year to year with simple addition/subtraction of a few individuals.
The population dynamics of the common badger in the period 2000-2024 are characterized by the following indicators. In the early 2000s, a noticeable increase in the common badger population and its distribution was observed (818-1592 individuals), which presumably occurred in 2003-2006. After this, a deterioration in its population status was noted, and within the biological year 2007-2008 alone, its population decreased by approximately 20-40%. In the Republic of Belarus, from 2021 to 2024, there were 2484-2746 individuals. An increase in the common badger population was recorded in all regions, except for the Mogilev region, where the overall trend is currently negative.
The obtained data indicate a significant improvement in the status of the common badger population in the Republic of Belarus after a catastrophic decline in numbers in the 2010s, although in recent years it has only reached the level of 1981 (2800 individuals). Over the past decade, an expansion of the species' territorial distribution has been noted, with fragments of complete adaptation by the common badger to ecological capacity – 1.5% of such users. However, overall, it remains in a vulnerable state. The common badger is absent from a significant part of the country (45% of users). Local common badger populations in 36.3% of hunting grounds are in a depressed state, but the threat of rapid disappearance is absent. In 16% of all hunting grounds, the common badger is found in a highly threatened state (less than 0.1 inhabited settlements per 10 km2).
To assess the ecologically potential population size of the common badger, data on the assessment of suitable habitat area, demographically minimal population density, and ecologically potential density are required. This would provide criteria for the population reaching a level where threats of its extinction would be absent. Such data require special long-term analytical, field, and compilation research. Therefore, as an assessment of the common badger population's viability, it is proposed to use data on the density of its inhabited settlements, which provide a good representation of its population.
Indicators of the density distribution of common badger inhabited settlements are ranked into four population status levels:
The common badger lives, and respondents indicate a density of inhabited settlements of 1.0 or more settlements/10 km2 of forest land, which, according to experts, corresponds to a population status where the ecological capacity of the environment is almost fully utilized by the common badger. In total across the country, 4 such local populations were identified in Grodno (2 hunting grounds), Brest (1), and Minsk (1) regions, accounting for 2.8% of all hunting grounds with inhabited common badger settlements and 1.5% of the total number of hunting grounds. Previously, in 2006-2008, such a level was not identified anywhere;
The common badger lives, and respondents indicate more than 0.1 settlements/10 km2 of forest, but less than 1 settlement/10 km2, which, according to experts, indicates that this area is in a depressed state, but there is no threat of rapid extinction. Territories with this status include 95 hunting grounds (66.4% of inhabited and 36.3% of the total number), compared to 77 hunting grounds (60.6% and 29%) in 2021. This suggests that in most hunting grounds with existing local populations, the common badger is not threatened with extinction, and this already constitutes one-third of the country (less in 2021). Previously, in 2006-2008, this population status level was identified only in a quarter of the territory of the Republic of Belarus (23%);
Respondents indicated less than 0.1 inhabited settlements per 10 km2 of forest, indicating that the common badger is in a highly threatened state. Territories with this status are represented in 42 hunting grounds, accounting for 29% of all hunting grounds with inhabited common badger settlements and 16% of all hunting grounds
(in 2021 - 46 and, accordingly, 36.2% and 17.2% of hunting grounds, previously 58%);
Respondents claim that the common badger does not inhabit the surveyed territory and no inhabited setts were found. Inhabited common badger settlements were not identified in 119 hunting grounds, which constitutes 45% of the country's territory.
A population density of the European badger of 0.1-0.5 individuals per 10 km2 is critically low. In 2024, such a low density was observed in 39% of user areas, which is less than in 2021-2022, indicating an increase in the European badger population. For comparison, the densities of local European badger populations within their range are also provided below, with values that vary widely depending on the habitat. In Western Europe, the population density of the European badger often reaches hundreds of individuals per 10 km2. In the United Kingdom, its population density ranges from 8.6 to 307 individuals / 10 km2, with an average of 93.8 individuals / 10 km2. On the British Isles, European badgers reach much higher densities than in continental Europe – an average of 93.8 individuals / 10 km2 versus 6.3 individuals / 10 km2, respectively. Modern European badger populations in the Republic of Belarus have a rather low density, although a shift towards an increase in these indicators is already being noted.
The number of European badgers by region in 2021-2024 (individuals) is given in the table.
Table
|
Region |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
||||
|
Survey data |
Expert assessment |
Survey data |
Expert assessment |
Survey data |
Expert assessment |
Survey data |
Expert assessment |
|
Expert assessment
Brest
71
71
105
207
122
125
129
129
Vitebsk
978
1003
1049
1061
1488
1193
1537
1399
Gomel
245
254
299
318
260
253
281
281
Grodno
374
435
224
288
258
218
340
313
Minskaya
472
480
415
522
382
349
465
517
Mogilevskaya
239
241
395
405
164
169
128
118
Total
2379
2484
2487
2697
2674
2307
2880
2758
CHAPTER 4
NEGATIVE FACTORS AFFECTING THE POPULATION STATUS OF THE EUROPEAN BADGER
The main threat factors for the European badger include: competition with the raccoon dog and other predatory mammals, severe destruction of badger setts, poaching, threat of loss of food base and habitat degradation, diseases, accidental human-related mortality (road traffic accidents, poisoning, accidents, dog attacks, human disturbance, etc.).
The multidirectional disruptive impact of other predatory mammals, such as competition with the more adaptable raccoon dog, which was introduced to our territory in the last century for hunting purposes, is considered a strong threat factor. This alien species has easily adapted to our natural conditions, has a similar food base to the European badger, and also uses its setts for reproduction or as a winter shelter.
The main areas of negative impact are:
intensification of viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases due to a significant increase in the overall density of vector species as a result of the naturalization of the raccoon dog, which is particularly significant for the European badger, whose life activities are more concentrated in and around setts;
competition for carrion as the main food item in early spring during the first weeks after waking from winter sleep;
killing of European badger cubs by raccoon dogs, foxes, wolves, and lynxes.
Loss of suitable habitats, depletion of food resources, habitat fragmentation, and habitat transformation disrupt the environment and living conditions, often rendering them unsuitable for animal survival. Nevertheless, in many European countries, the European badger has adapted to life in urbanized environments and agricultural landscapes. In the Republic of Belarus, such adaptations are not observed, although temporary setts (tracks and photo evidence) are occasionally recorded in agricultural fields. Its main settlements are located in forest complexes or at their ecotones with open biotopes and are the most crucial basis for the species' survival. The European badger often abandons its setts when adjacent territories are drained or forests are felled, even near settlements. Therefore, the loss or alteration of habitat – forest complexes – is a significant threat factor for the European badger. In this regard, the destruction of badger setts, which can occur due to poaching or forestry operations during winter and spring, plays a similar role, potentially leading to the death of both adult badgers and their cubs buried by soil.
Climate change and the associated trend towards reduced humidity in the habitat of soil fauna, exacerbated by the drainage of a predominant part of marshy and waterlogged lands, lead to a decrease in the food capacity of the territory for the European badger as a consumer of earthworms and soil insects. Considering its omnivorous diet, the reduction of the food base is a low or medium risk factor.
Poaching is one of the most significant reasons for the decline and extinction of many predators in various European countries in the 18th-20th centuries, including the European badger. Poaching incidents are the primary cause of its population decline in many countries (Italy, Denmark, etc.), and the Republic of Belarus is no exception. However, the assessment and impact of poaching on the population of this species in our country are unknown, and this undoubtedly requires more thorough study. Poaching can be either direct, aimed at hunting this predator, or accidental, namely, the death of the European badger when hunting foxes and raccoon dogs. The European badger does not have significant commercial value; it is most often hunted for badger fat, which is highly valued in folk medicine. During the inventory of burrows, settlements with signs of human excavation or remnants of iron snares used for trapping are sometimes found. Illegal hunting is an important threat factor for the European badger.
The increase in the disturbance factor, caused by increased population density, recreational pressure, transport development and expansion of the road network, berry and mushroom picking, spring hunting, and hunting with dogs, does not significantly affect the European badger, as it can hide in its burrow. The main sources of disturbance for it are human visits to badger settlements during the breeding season, flushing and pursuit by dogs during foraging, and so on. Disturbance is a risk factor of low to medium for the European badger.
The presence of long fences along roads, at the state border, and the like can reduce or stop the movement of the European badger within its range, acting as a direct obstacle to the movement of individuals between populations and slowing down dispersal. The ability of individuals to move freely is one of the most important foundations for the overall functioning of an animal population. Highways can hinder the dispersal of young individuals. As a consequence, the genetic diversity of the population and, over a longer period, the species' adaptability decrease.
Fencing of highways and railways constitutes artificial barriers to dispersal. Transport infrastructure and increased traffic intensity pose a risk of individual mortality due to collisions with vehicles, which has been repeatedly noted in the country.
Linear infrastructure is a risk factor of medium importance. Various fundamental and applied research is required to obtain data on the scale of the problem.
The European badger is susceptible to diseases and is a carrier of diseases, including those dangerous to humans and domestic animals: rabies, mange, trichinellosis. Like any carnivore, it can be a carrier of helminths. Monitoring the health status of the population and conducting various fundamental and applied research are required to obtain information on the spread of diseases.