145 ACTA ZOOLOGICA BULGARICA Acta zool. bulg., 64 (2), 2012: 145-150 Introduction Most mammal species are dificult to observe due to their biological characteristics, strong anthropogenic pressure over time and/or destruction of their habi- tats. As a result they inhabit remote areas, shift their activity to dusk or night hours or are living under- ground. Studying animals with secret way of live is always a challenge to researchers. The data collected about their behaviour and activity is often indirect (mainly tracks and signs of animals presence), and can be freely interpreted by observers. The stand- ard methods could be costly and very time consum- ing and often do not provide detailed information. Therefore, for studying of such animals remote re- cording devices like camera traps appear to be very suitable for the purpose. Overall, distance photog- raphy requires less time, money and is less invasive than most of the traditional research methods, while there are numerous applications (Cutler 1999). In Bulgaria the use of objective recording de- vices for scientiic purposes is a new idea and cur- rently there are only few studies based on them (Zlatanova et al. 2009). Yet, these devices are frequently used in other countries for studying the population density of endangered and rare spe- cies (Кaranth 1995, 1998, Тrolle & Kery 2005, heilbrun et al. 2006). They also help to reveal dif- ferent aspects of the biology and behaviour of more widespread predatory species such as red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.), American black bear (Ursus americanus P.) and other (Moruzzi et al. 2002, bridges et al. 2004, hegglin et al. 2004). Camera traps are becoming more and more popular in studies on Mustelid species (griffiths 2008, yoxon 2008). Being fossorial and noctur- nal, the badger (Meles meles L.) is an ideal model species for studying its activity pattern in different Camera Traps Recorded Use of Sett Sites by Badgers (Meles meles L., Mammalia) in Different Habitats Venislava Racheva, Diana Zlatanova, Danielo Peshev, Emilia Markova Soia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Faculty of Biology, Department of Zoology, Soia, Bulgaria; E-mails: venislavar@yahoo.com, zlite2@mail.bg, dcpeshev@yahoo.com, markovae@abv.bg Abstract: Two main badger setts were monitored in different habitats (lowland and mountain) by Моultrie camera traps (model I-40 with infrared lash) from September 2008 till August 2009 (totally 712 trapnights – 353 in lowlands and 359 in mountain).The camera traps were set to make 5 second video clips, accompanied with info photo about time, temperature and moon phase. From 3343 registered events (n lowland = 2774; n mountain = 569) 1891 were of badgers (n lowland = 1676; n mountain = 215). The data analysis shows that badgers spend more time near the sett during winter and spring than other seasons. The peak hours are right before and after full moon (gibbous moon) similar for both habitats. In the mountainous habitat there are two peaks of activity at sett emerge and return time – from 19:00 to 21:00 and from 3:00 to 5:00 h. Unique activity can be observed only in this habitat from 13:00 to 15:00 h due to less disturbed environment. Day- time emerge and sleeping near the sett are observed only in the remote mountainous area. In the lowland area the emerge peaks are at the same time from 19:00 to 21:00 but the return time peak is not deinite. Higher activity can be observed in both habitats at the temperature interval between -2 o and 12 o C. Key words: badger, Meles meles, camera trap, activity, sett