| Popis: |
Skunks and raccoons were studied by capture-recapture in a 60 km2 area of Metropolitan Toronto during 1987–1990. Based on the capture of 1294 skunks and 2519 raccoons, the estimated mean raccoon density was 7–12/km2, and mean skunk density was 2–7/km2. Raccoons occupied a much larger portion of the study area than skunks (83– 90% versus 45–60%). However, 45–60% of the area was occupied by both species. An increase in the number of skunks and raccoons during 1987–1989 was attributed to a density increase in only some portions of the study area (43% and 55% respectively). Remaining areas had decreases in density, no change in density, or did not support any animals. Habitat appeared to be the main factor determining density (fields for skunks and forested-parks for raccoons), but occupancy of other habitats became evident as the populations increased. Both skunks and raccoons were sedentary, with the majority (about 86%) of recapture distances < 1 km. However, between year movements by female skunks and raccoons probably played a major role in determining the dispersion of those populations. |
