A vörös róka (Vulpes vulpes) és az eurázsiai borz (Meles meles) kotorékainak természetvédelmi szempontú vizsgálata a Valkói Erdészet területén

The European badger (Meles meles) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) can be found in large populations in Hungary so they are important both in forestry wild management and nature conservation. Regardless of their similar behaviors and routines, there is not much conflict between the two species which suggests that there is niche segregation between them. As part of my research, I studied both species, their den locations and habitat selection. These choices are affected by many factors including terrain, vegetation, habitat, soil type and human conflict. The location of the field research was the forest of Valko. I studied 5 sets for both species, monitored the activity, took readings for the attitude, surface sloop and orientation of each den. I worked within a 25-meter radius area of each den where took estimates of the habitat and the vegetation coverage including plant, shrub, and tree coverage. I mapped the distance between the nearest forest paths, human settlements and the setts to see if human inhabitance affects the selection of den locations. Based on former research there is also a difference between the selection of soil, badgers tend to prefer clay and dry sandy type soils, however, foxes prefer compact sand type soils. Vegetation preference for badgers tends to be vegetation of sessile oak (Quercus petraeae) whereas foxes prefer more opened areas consisting of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacina) and black pine (Pinus nigra). Based on statistic measurements, Mann-Whitney U test, there is a significant difference between the habitat around their setts. In a conclusion, there is niche segregation between badger and red fox so they can avoid direct conflicts and competitions.