Specialeforsvar: Line Holst Pagh

The population development and home range estimation of raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Denmark

Vejleder: Jes Søe Pedersen

Censor: Hans Erik Svart, Styrelsen for Vand- og Naturforvaltning

Abstract
Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an invasive species in Europe and because of the species high adaptability to new environments and rapid dispersal, raccoon dogs pose a threat to native species. In Denmark, raccoon dogs pose a threat to the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the native badger (Meles meles) along with amphibians and ground-nesting birds. An action plan was developed in 2009 to prevent the species from establishing in Denmark. As a result of the action plan, the breeding population of raccoon dogs in Denmark should be eradicated by the end of 2015. The breeding population of raccoon dogs in Denmark has been stable but not reduced. The data used in this master´s thesis originates from GPS collared raccoon dogs controlled by the Danish Natural Agency. The population development of raccoon dogs from 2011-2015 was assessed based on day to day movements and search time to find a partner. The day to day movements of the raccoon dogs showed no significant difference in both the tendency to move north corresponding to time and corresponding to actual location in Jutland, and there were no significant differences in search time to find a partner between the years 2011-2015. Therefore, it can be concluded that the population size of raccoon dogs has been stable from 2011-2015. Furthermore, the home range size of Danish population of raccoon dogs was estimated to an average size of HR50% = 4.04 ± 1.52 km2 and HR95% = 0.30 ± 0.05 km2 using ArcGIS 10.0.
 
Another project in cooperation with the Danish Natural Agency and Aage V. Jensens Naturfond (AVJ) was conducted to investigate the movement patterns and behaviour of raccoon dogs in a  specific area (Lille Vildmose, owned by AVJ) to investigate the feeding and habitat preferences  of raccoon dogs if presented to the same factors. The purpose of this project was to assess  further and more specific management strategies in vulnerable areas as Lille Vildmose and  other AVJ areas. The raccoon dogs in Lille Vildmose showed very different preferences in home  range location and habitat preferences. Furthermore, the stomach content of 3 random Danish  raccoon dogs was included in the investigation. According to the home range location and  stomach content, the raccoon dogs preferred wet habitats such as marshland and peatbogs and  also arable land and deciduous and coniferous forests.