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The breeding biology of introduced hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ) on a Scottish Island: lessons for population control and bird conservation
Author(s) -
Jackson D. B.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2005.00035.x
Subject(s) - erinaceus , biology , seasonal breeder , breed , population , hibernation (computing) , demography , zoology , mating , hedgehog , reproduction , ecology , biochemistry , state (computer science) , algorithm , sociology , gene , computer science
The breeding biology of a recently (1974) introduced hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus population was studied on a large Scottish island. These hedgehogs have caused serious declines in internationally important ground‐nesting shorebirds, and population control is now being attempted. Sexual behaviour commenced in late April, a few days after the main emergence from hibernation. It peaked in mid‐May and again in late June/early July, and ceased by mid‐August. Females were promiscuous and were estimated to have sexual encounters (although not necessarily matings) with at least five males during the main mating period. Two‐thirds of females attempted to breed for the first time in their second calendar year (i.e. as sub‐adults), and the rest in their third calendar year (i.e. as adults). At least 96% ( n =27) of adult females attempted to breed in the early part of the season (litters born in June). The vast majority (81%, n =26) bred again in the later part of the season (litters born after mid‐July). Breeding success (≥1 young emerged) was relatively high. For adults, 63% ( n =24) of early‐season and 86% ( n =18) of late‐season attempts were successful. For sub‐adult females the figure was 62% ( n =9). The annual mean productivity per female was estimated at 4.04 young for adults and 0.85 young for sub‐adults. The implications of these results for the effectiveness, timing and welfare aspects of hedgehog control programmes are discussed.