Distribución y caracterización de tejoneras en la vertiente norte del Parque Natural de Gorbea (Vizcaya, País Vasco)

Sett distribution and characterization of badgers in the northern slope of Gorbea Natural Park In this study we have carried out a search for badger (Meles meles Linnaeus, 1758) setts in a study area of 112 km 2 . This territory is set in the Gorbea Natural Park (Biscay, Basque Country). Our aim is to make a selection analysis from the use and availabilty data of the different habitat variables. A low density of setts (0.142 setts/km 2 ), located mainly in exotic coniferous forests and, in a lower proportion, in beech forests and among shrubs was found. Of the 16 badger setts found, 14 were associated to rocky overhangs. The selection analysis shows a certain preference for the setts to be positioned at a medium altitude on slopes with a gradient greater than 15 % and oriented northwards. They are located at a distance of between 200-350 m from watercourses and more than 3 km from roads. The selection analysis reveals a dislike for lowest elevations, gentle slopes and areas that are less than 100 m from watercourses.