Niche Segregation between Two Medium-Sized Carnivores in a Hilly Area of Hungary

Abstract

The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are the two most widespread medium-sized carnivores in Hungary. We hypothesise that niche segregation between these species may be observed in the selection of burrow sites. Burrowsite selection was investigated by evaluating habitat preferences for three habitat categories (forest covered, open and mixed). Differences between overall habitat selection by the two species within the study areas were not significant, but the area ratios of habitat categories within the immediate surroundings (400 m) of burrows were significantly different. Around the red fox burrows, the ratios of mixed habitats and small-mammal hole densities were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) than around those of the Eurasian badger. This led us to conclude that the red fox, due to its diet, may select sites rich in small mammals, which is manifested in the preference and use of mixed habitats.