Urban Hedgehog Behavioural Responses to Temporary Habitat Disturbance versus Permanent Fragmentation.

ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic activities can result in both transient and permanent changes in the environment. We studied spatial and temporal behavioural responses of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) to a transient (open-air music festival) and a permanent (highly fragmented area) disturbance in the city of Berlin, Germany. Activity, foraging and movement patterns were observed in two distinct areas in 2016 and 2017 using a "Before & After" and "Control & Impact" study design. Confronted with a music festival, hedgehogs substantially changed their movement behaviour and nesting patterns and decreased the rhythmic synchronization (DFC) of their activity patterns with the environment. These findings suggest that a music festival is a substantial stressor influencing the trade-off between fo

SUBMITTER: Berger A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7697271 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature