The microclimate of an unoccupied wintering sett of the badger, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meles meles</Emphasis> (Carnivora: Mustelidae), in the Darwin state nature reserve,Vologda Region

Data on the microclimate (air temperature and humidity) within an unoccupied badger sett in the Darwin Reserve (the Vologda Region) between September 2005 and May 2006 have been analyzed in relation to changes in the temperature and humidity of the ground air layer and soil. A positive correlation has been revealed between the temperature regime of the soil and air temperature within the sett. After the establishment of snow cover, air and soil temperatures within the sett vary slightly and barely depend on ambient air temperature.