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1 April 2013 The Effects of Sex and Season on Home Range in European Hedgehogs at the Northern Edge of the Species Range
Anni Rautio, Anu Valtonen, Mervi Kunnasranta
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Abstract

Limited data exist on ecology of European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) at the northern edge of the species’ range. In our study, spatial analysis using radio-tracking data from Finland showed that sex and season had significant effects on the homerange size of hedgehogs. Although males were heavier than females, body weight had no effect on home-range size. Total home ranges (male 98, female 55 ha) were larger than those in southern areas. Thus, male home ranges were larger than those of females during the mating (male 72, female 21 ha) and post-mating seasons (male 48, female 20 ha), but the differences were small and reversed before hibernation (male 17, female 29 ha). Home ranges of individuals of both sexes overlapped, but females shared core areas with other females only during the mating season. Our results imply possible differences in hedgehog ecology probably due to a less productive and harsh northern habitat.

© Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board 2013
Anni Rautio, Anu Valtonen, and Mervi Kunnasranta "The Effects of Sex and Season on Home Range in European Hedgehogs at the Northern Edge of the Species Range," Annales Zoologici Fennici 50(1-2), 107-123, (1 April 2013). https://doi.org/10.5735/086.050.0110
Received: 31 August 2012; Accepted: 5 December 2012; Published: 1 April 2013
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