Long-term assessment of the success of a European badger reintroduction

Abstract

Abstract To assess the success of a European badger reintroduction after 10 years, we monitored the reintroduction area (Regional Park of Montevecchia and Curone Valley, N Italy) using camera-trapping. Badgers were recorded 94 times by 20 camera-traps, spread over 12 out of the 15 1 km2 grid-squares totally or partially surveyed. Eighteen videoclips recorded cubs, providing evidence of the occurrence of at least two litters. The occurrence of five badger social groups could be assessed, corresponding to 0.9–1.15 individual/km2. All suitable habitats of the reintroduction area have been currently colonised.