Mating behavior in the Japanese badger Meles anakuma

Abstract

We describe the details of the mating behavior of the Japanese badger, Meles anakuma, using camera trapping. Similar to other mustelid species, the females copulated with multiple males (mean = 3.0). Repeated mounting with the same male was observed, occurring 3.4 times on average. The average duration of the mounting bout was approximately 70 min, which was much longer than that observed for the congener M. meles. Following the initial mounting bout, males constructed a rest site by gathering fallen leaves and branches close to the female sett. Males rested at these sites between mounting bouts, likely to guard their mates from rival males. The mating pairs displayed a preference for returning to the same location for copulatory activities, which resulted in the dispersal of fallen leaves and surface soil disturbance. We found that some males restored the copulation site by covering it with leaves, soil, and branches after all mating behaviors were completed. This action prevented rival males from locating females, especially if they relied on olfactory cues from the copulation sites. Our study reveals interspecific differences in mating behavior within Meles and the relationship between social systems and mating behavior. Digital video images related to this article are available at http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo240213ma01a, http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo240213ma02a, http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo240213ma04a, http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo240213ma05a, and http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo240213ma06a.