The diet of the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in the Republic of Ireland
Citation:
Gráinne P. Cleary, 'The diet of the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in the Republic of Ireland', [thesis], Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of Zoology, 2008, pp 183Download Item:
Abstract:
After a comprehensive analysis of the diet, the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in the
Republic of Ireland was found to display the foraging behaviour of a generalist forager.
This description was considered to be appropriate because there was a high frequency of
occurrence and pre-ingest bulk of seasonal insect larvae in the diet; tipulid larvae
dominated the diet in spring and noctuid larvae dominated in the autumn and winter.
During the summer months, badgers consumed significantly more Anura and Aculeata
species relative to other times of the year. Carabid adults and larvae and Lumbricidae
occurred frequently in the diet throughout the year, but both appeared in relatively low
bulk. Badgers opportunistically consumed Mammalia, Aves, Gastropoda, berries and
cereals throughout the year. The most consistent food category consumed was plant
litter, which had both high frequency of occurrence and a high pre-ingested bulk relative
to other food items at all times of the year.
Author: Cleary, Gráinne P.
Advisor:
Marples, NicholaQualification name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Publisher:
Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of ZoologyNote:
TARA (Trinity's Access to Research Archive) has a robust takedown policy. Please contact us if you have any concerns: rssadmin@tcd.ieType of material:
thesisAvailability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Zoology, Ph.D., Ph.D. Trinity College DublinMetadata
Show full item recordLicences: