Dispersal and home range shifting of adult raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) - observations in Brandenburg, Germany

The dispersal of adult raccoon dogs in Brandenburg/Germany was documented by radio tracking for the first time. This behaviour was observed from three males estimated to be 1-4 years old. Distances, measured as straight lines between tracking points, covered during night were 10 km respectively 16 km. The farthest registered airline distance between marking place and relocation place was 90 km. Additionally to this records the shifting of home ranges of two adult females within the study area could be observed. This behaviour was probably caused both by interspecific and intraspecific competition.Since raccoon dogs settled in many regions of Europe within a few decades, it can be assumed that the expansion of this invasive species is based both on dispersal of juveniles and adults.