Exploring Activity Patterns of the Asian Badger Using Camera Traps in a South Korean Temperate Forest

초록

This study aimed to investigate the activity patterns of the Asian badger (Meles leucurus.). Camera trapping method was employed to document the variations in Asian badger captures from April 2022 to September 2023 in a temperate forest within Mt. Songnisan National Park, Boeun, Chungbuk province, South Korea. The monthly observed frequencies of the Asian badger recorded using camera traps were analyzed. Additionally, the daily activity patterns of the Asian badger were examined for each season using kernel density estimations. From late of November to early March, the species was not observed in the study area, suggesting a potential period of winter hibernation. Moreover, higher observed frequencies were recorded in September and June. The seasonal activities of the mammal consistently displayed nocturnal behavior, with high activity levels observed during nighttime. This study also found significant overlap coefficients for the daily activity patterns between seasons. Further studies on critical aspects such as habitat use and diet are necessary to promote the conservation of the species and its habitat.

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