Local Distribution and Abundance

Extended Abstract: The Cariboo region of British Columbia (B.C.) is the northern extent for many grassland-dwelling species at risk. The North American badger (Taxidea taxus jeffersonii) is one endangered species that occurs in the grasslands of the Cariboo (Fig. 1). Badgers were previously thought to be at low densities in the Cariboo region because it is the limit of their distribution; however, the recent number of badger sightings suggests that there may be more badgers in the Cariboo than previously thought. In 2003, research began south of the community of 100 Mile House to (1) determine local distribution and relative abundance of badgers in the region, (2) locate and describe suitable burrowing habitat, and 3) identify key prey species. Herein, we report our preliminary findings within the study area (4337 km2). Figure 1. The study area (2003) in relation to the estimated range of badgers in British Columbi