January 23, 2014

expert reaction to increase in number of badger setts over 25 years

The number of badger setts is estimated to have increased by approximately 100% in England between 1985–1988 and 2011–2013 according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports. 

Prof David Macdonald, Director of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, said:

“Our published data show clearly that badger numbers have increased over more than two decades, and that this can be largely attributed to the consequences of milder winters on cub survival.”

Dr. Rosie Woodroffe, Zoological Society London, said:

“It’s not surprising that this study finds evidence of higher numbers if badger setts, as this is consistent with the findings of more intensive long term studies.

However, the implications for the cattle TB situation are unclear. Increasing badger density reduces the proportion of infected badgers, so doubling badger numbers wouldn’t double the number if infected badgers. Moreover, at high densities badger territories are smaller so each badger would come into contact with fewer herds.”

‘Density and abundance of badger social groups in England and Wales in 2011-2013’ by Judge et al. published in Scientific Reports on Thursday 23rd January.