Habitat use of the raccon dog (Nyctereutes pvocyonoides) in north-eastern GermanyHabitatnutzung des Marderhundes (Nyctereutes procyonoides) im Nordosten Deutschlands

This study investigated habitat availability and its selection and preference by adult, resident raccoon dog; inhabiting the countryside in north-eastern Germany. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although percentage share of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences.