Density and abundance of badger social groups in England and Wales in 2011–2013

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, European badgers Meles meles are a protected species and an important wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis. We conducted a survey of badger dens (main setts) in 1614 1 km squares across England and Wales, between November 2011 and March 2013. Using main setts as a proxy for badger social groups, the estimated mean density of badger social groups in England and Wales was 0.485 km ⁻² (95% confidence interval 0.449–0.521) and the estimated abundance of social groups was 71,600 (66,400–76,900). In the 25 years since the first survey in 1985–88, the annual rate of increase in the estimated number of badger social groups was 2.6% (2.2–2.9%), equating to an 88% (70–105%) increase across England and Wales. In England, we estimate there has been an increase of 103% (83–123%) in badger social groups, while in Wales there has been little change (−25 to +49%).