Badgers

Page last updated: 20/02/2024

Badgers, in a polyphyletic sense, are sturdy, strongly built mustelids primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere. All extant species live in burrows called setts, though their usage differs between species with some living in family groups and others living predominantly solitary lives. Badger species often have strong forelimbs suited for digging, with long curved claws ideal for breaking up dirt. They are predominantly nocturnal and come out during the night to feed on a variety of different food sources, such as worms, grubs, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. As well as feeding on berries, roots, and fruit.

One feature that is found in all species of badger is distinct facial markings—darker colours contrasting with light. This is the feature which gave rise to a now old-fashioned name for badgers—Bauson, which is a variation on the word Bausond, which refers to piebald markings, while also being used to describe a badger’s face.

Some species are arguably not considered true badgers

The ratel, or better known as the honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and the North American badger (Taxidea taxus) are not considered true badgers by some sources.(1)(2)(3) That is, they are not of the subfamily Melinae or directly related to the European badger (Meles meles). They are believed to be living fossil species and basal, meaning they branched off from the rest of the mustelids the earliest and retain ancestral features that most of the others lack.

References

  1. Davies, M. J. The chemical ecology of mustelids. Chemical ecology: encyclopedia of life support systems. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Eolss Publishers Co. Ltd, Oxford (2009): 438-449. pp. 439.
  2. Agnarsson, Ingi, Matjaž Kuntner, and Laura J. May-Collado. “Dogs, cats, and kin: a molecular species-level phylogeny of Carnivora”. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 54.3 (2010): 726-745.
  3. Hancox, M. “Dental anomalies in the Eurasian badger”. Journal of Zoology 216.4 (1988): 606-608.

#1 Asian Badger (Meles leucurus)

Photo by David Blank

The Asian badger, also known as the sand badger, is a species native throughout Asia and eastern Europe.

Appearance

Asian badgers are the smallest of the four Meles species. They are superficially similar to the European badger, but exhibit an overall lighter and grayish-silver colouration. Their facial markings also differ slightly, with brown to black facial stripes going over the ears instead of joining up with the ear like the European badger. Asian badgers from Mongolia tend to have a lighter coat, while those from the Amur region are noticeably darker in colour.(1)

Habitat

The Asian badger prefers temperate regions such as forests, but they can also be found in mountainous regions, semi-deserts and tundra habitats.(2)

Behaviour

Asian badgers are generally a nocturnal species, living in communal setts made up of family groups with some solitary individuals in areas with food scarcity.(3)(4) They tend to hibernate in family groups, with the adults sharing dens with cubs born during the previous year. Yearlings and older single badgers will occupy individual dens.(2)

Reproduction

M. leucurus can mate year-around. Likewise, fertilization can occur at any time, with cubs primarily being born between mid-January and mid-March. Asian badgers experience a prolonged period of delayed implantation. This is a reproductive strategy shared by most mustelids.(5)(6)

Diet

The species feeds on a large variety of small animals such as insects, worms, reptiles, amphibians, and birds while also feeding on plant material, nuts, and berries.(5)(7)

Predators

Adult Asian badgers are not known to have predators, but their cubs can fall prey to lynxes, wolves, and wolverines, where their ranges overlap.(5)

Relationship with humans

These badgers do sometimes come into conflict with humans, and there is evidence of them preying on livestock and damaging vineyards, which can lead them to being hunted in some of their territories.(2) Their population numbers do not appear to have been affected too detrimentally by this.

Geographic range

Body length: 50–70 cm / 20–28 in(8)
Weight: 3.5–9 kg / 7.7–19.8 lb(9)
Lifespan: Unknown (wild), unknown (captivity)
Range: Southern portions of Russia and east of the Urals, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and Korea.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Melinae
Recognised subspecies(10)

  1. M. l. amurensis
  2. M. l. arenarius
  3. M. l. leucurus
  4. M. l. sibiricus
  5. M. l. tianschanensis
References

  1. Heptner, V. G.; Sludskii, A. A. (2002). “Mammals of the Soviet Union”. Vol. II, part 1b, Carnivores (Mustelidae). Washington, D.C. : Smithsonian Institution Libraries and National Science Foundation. p. 1251. ISBN: 90-04-08876-8.
  2. Ognev, S. 1962. “Mammals of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia”. Jerusalem: Published by the National Science Foundation, Washington D.C., by the Israel Program for Scientific Translations.
  3. Heptner, V., N. Naumov. 1967. “Mammals of the Soviet Union”. Moscow: Vysshaya Shkola Publishers.
  4. Wilson, D., R. Mittermeier. 2009. “Handbook of the Mammals of the World”. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.
  5. Oldham, C. 2014. Meles leucurus (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 09, 2020.
  6. Mead, R. A. “Delayed implantation in mustelids, with special emphasis on the spotted skunk”. Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement 29 (1981): 11-24.
  7. Murdoch, J., S. Buyandelger. 2010. “An account of badger diet in an arid steppe region of Mongolia”. Journal of Arid Environments, 74: 1348-1350.
  8. Long, C. A., and C. A. Killingley. “The badgers of the world. Charles C.”. Thomas. Springfield (1983).
  9. Wilson, D.; Mittermeier, R. (2009). “Handbook of the Mammals of the World”. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.
  10. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Meles leucurus in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.

#2 Caucasian Badger (Meles canescens)

Photo by Yaman Omran

The Caucasian badger, also referred to as the Southwest Asian badger, is a poorly studied species native to West Asia and some islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The Caucasian badger was formally considered a subspecies of the European badger, until a 2013 study found genetic divergence between both species. They are recognised as a distinct species by the American Society of Mammalogists.(1)

Appearance

The Caucasian badger looks very similar to the European badger, but they are smaller, and tend to have dirty-grayish black and brown highlights in their fur. The head is identical to the European badger, though with weaker crests.(2)

Habitat

There is currently no information available regarding their habitat.

Behaviour

There is currently no information available regarding their behaviour.

Reproduction

There is currently no information available regarding their reproduction.

Diet

There is currently no information available regarding their diet.

Geographic range

Body length: N/A
Tail length: N/A
Weight: N/A
Lifespan: Unknown (wild), Unknown (captivity)
Range: Western Asia and some islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
Conservation status: N/A
Subfamily: Melinae
Recognised subspecies(2)

  1. Cretan badger (M. c. arcalus)
  2. Fergana badger (M. c. severzovi)
  3. Rhodes badger (M. c. rhodius)
  4. Transcaucasian badger (M. c. canescens)
References

  1. ASM Mammal Diversity Database. “Explore the Database”. Accessed 06 September, 2021.
  2. Abramov, Alexei V., and Andrey Yu Puzachenko. The taxonomic status of badgers (Mammalia, Mustelidae) from Southwest Asia based on cranial morphometrics, with the redescription of Meles canescens. Zootaxa 3681.1 (2013): 44-58.

#3 European Badger (Meles meles)

Photo by Kallerna

The European badger, also known as the Eurasian badger (though they now appear to have a marginal range in West Asia at best, since the Caucasian badger is no longer considered a subspecies of the European badger),(1) is a species which inhabits a wide range across Europe.(2) They are by far the most iconic badger in Western media.

Appearance

European badgers are bulky and heavily built animals that spend a lot of time in and around the setts they create. With strong forelimbs and long curved claws adept for digging and maintaining setts. These badgers are easy to identify with their pale faces coupled with striking black markings running from their nose, across their eyes and ending behind each ear.(3) Their hind feet are plantigrade and their hind claws wear short as they age.(4) They also have flexible robust snouts used for probing and digging which aids in their search for food.

Habitat

The European badger is found in a wide range of different environments, such as woodlands, grasslands, hedges, riversides, and agricultural land, as well as steppes and semi-deserts in some regions.(3) Their territorial ranges vary in size and are greatly dependent on food availability, as well as the size and quality of the sett. In optimal conditions, the size of these territories can be as small as 30 hectares (74 acres), to as large as 150 hectares (370 acres). The presence of communal latrines and well-worn paths are key signs of a European badger’s territory.(5)

Behaviour

The European badger has been described as the most social of badgers,(6) particularly in the UK, forming groups of six adults on average with larger associations of up to 23 individuals being recorded. Group size may depend on habitat composition. Although they are sociable and generally tolerant of other badgers both in and outside their group, males will occasionally have territorial aggression—with sparring occurring during the breeding season. Boars (males) tend to mark their territories more than sows (females), with their territorial activity increasing during the mating season in early spring.(7)

Reproduction

Female European badgers are sexually receptive for four to six days. This can occur at any time of year, with a peak in the spring. Males typically reach sexual maturity about 12 to 15 months of age, however, this can happen at any age between 9 and 2 years. Females usually begin ovulating in their second year, though some exceptionally begin at 9 months. Although they can mate throughout the year, the greatest peak is between February and May when mature females  are in postpartal estrus and young animals are going through their first estrus. Any matings that take place outside of this window usually involve females that either missed their chance to mate earlier in the year or matured slowly.(7)

Males typically mate with one female for life, while females have been known to mate with more than one male.(8) Mating lasts for fifteen to sixty minutes, though the pair may briefly copulate for a minute or two when the female is not in estrus. A delay of two to nine months precedes the fertilised eggs implanting into the wall of the uterus, while matings in December can result in quick implantation. Implantation usually occurs in December, with a gestation duration of 7 weeks. The newborn badgers (refereed to as cubs) are usually born in mid-January to mid-March.(7)

An average litter has one to five cubs. Resident males will sire many cubs, but up to 54% may be fathered by males from different colonies. Subordinate cubs may be killed by dominant females. Cubs are pink when they are born, with greyish, silvery fur and fused eyelids.(7) Their claws become pigmented after three to five days and individual dark hairs develop.(8) Their eyes open at four and five weeks, and their milk teeth appear around the same period. They emerge from their setts at eight weeks and begin weaning at twelve weeks, however they may continue to feed until they are four to five months old. Subordinate females help the mother defend, feed, and groom the cubs.(7) Cubs fully develop their adult coats around six to nine weeks of age.(8)

Diet

The European badger’s diet is omnivorous and highly adaptable and dependent on what is available. Earthworms seem to be a staple of their diet, but they also consume insects, carrion, fruit, and small mammals. They are also known to attack wasp nests—consuming the wasps along with their nest structures while being protected with their dense coarse fur and thick skin. If food is scarce, the European badger will often cover larger distances in search of food, and can come into conflict with other badger groups competing over food sources.(3)

Predators

Adult European badgers are not known to have natural predators, but their young may occasionally fall prey to lynxes, wolves, and bears where their geographical ranges overlap.(3) Golden eagles have also been seen to prey upon young badgers given the opportunity.(9)

Bovine tuberculosis and European badger culling in the United Kingdom

Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB), which is caused by the Mycobacterium bovis bacterium, is a major cause of death in European badgers. Although diseased badgers can live and reproduce for years before succumbing.(10)

The disease was first identified in European badgers in 1951 in Switzerland, when it was thought they got it from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) or roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).(10) It was discovered in the United Kingdom in 1971 and was linked to an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in cows. The European badger is the principal reservoir of illness for cattle in the southwest of England, Wales, and Ireland.(11) Humans can contract bTB, however, due to public health measures such as milk pasteurisation and the BCG vaccine, it poses no substantial risk to human health.(12)

European badger culling is permitted in the United Kingdom under licence, within a specific area and timeframe, to reduce European badger populations in the goal of limiting the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).(13) There is considerable disagreement on whether the culling of European badgers will effectively reduce or eliminate bovine TB in cattle.

Interactions with other animals

While it would seem most European badgers stick to interacting with their family groups, there are cases of badgers living alongside foxes in their setts, with even accounts of foxes sharing food scraps with the badgers. This however is not always the case as foxes and badgers can come into conflict as well over food sources.(14)

It is uncharacteristic of wild European badgers to attack humans

Despite some claims in social media, unless a European badger is injured or trapped, it is unlikely to go out of its way to randomly attack a human. Some have argued, “What about that badger attack in 2003?”. This is yet another example of people not getting the full story and overgeneralising an entire species over an isolated incident.

The Boris story

On the 13 May 2003, a European badger named Boris went about biting five people in a span of two days in the Worcestershire town of Evesham, before being caught by the Worcestershire Badger Society and later put down by a vet. The one-year-old badger had been hand-reared before he was taken in by Vale Wildlife Rescue. The staff claimed that the badger never displayed any signs of aggression prior to the event. Boris was stolen from the centre a week before the rampage. European badger experts claim that the attacks were “uncharacteristic” of a wild badger. They believe Boris was inappropriately hand-reared before being brought into the centre, and that he had too much contact with humans, which caused him to lose his natural fear of people. After Boris was stolen he was left in a strange environment, alone, and frightened, and this is what presumably led to the unfortunate event.(15)(16)(17)

Geographic range

Body length: 60–90 cm / 24–35 in(8)
Tail length: 12–24 cm / 4.7–9.4 in(8)
Weight: 7–13 kg / 15–29 lb (in summer), 15–17 kg / 33–37 lb (in autumn)(18)
Lifespan: Up to 15 years (wild)(19), up to 19 years (captivity)
Range: Europe and Western Asia.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Melinae
Recognised subspecies(20)

  1. M. m. heptneri
  2. M. m. marianensis
  3. M. m. meles
  4. M. m. milleri
References

  1. “Explore the Database”. www.mammaldiversity.org. Accessed 06 September, 2021.
  2. Kranz, A.; Abramov, A. V.; Herrero, J. & Maran, T. (2016). “Meles meles”. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2016: e.T29673A45203002.
  3. Wang, A. 2011. Meles meles (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 20, 2020.
  4. Raichev, E. (2010). “Adaptability to locomotion in snow conditions of fox, gackal, wild cat, badger in the region of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria”. Trakia Journal of Sciences. 8 (2): 499–505.
  5. Schmid, T. K.; Roper, T. J.; Christian, S. E.; Ostler, J.; Conradt, L. & Butler, J. (1993). “Territorial marking with faeces in badgers (Meles meles): a comparison of boundary and hinterland latrine use”. Behaviour. 127 (3–4): 289––307.
  6. Macdonald, D. (2001). “The New Encyclopedia of Mammals”. ISBN 0-19-850823-9.
  7. Harris, Stephen, and Derek William Yalden Yalden, eds. “Mammals of the British Isles: handbook”. Mammal society, 2008.
  8. Heptner, V. G.; Sludskii, A. A. (2001). Badger Meles meles Linnaeus, 1758. Mammals of the Soviet Union. Vol. II, Part 1b, Carnivores (Mustelidae and Procyonidae). Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Libraries and National Science Foundation. pp. 1232–1282.
  9. Watson, J. (2010). The golden eagle. Poyser Monographs; A&C Black. p 413.
  10. Bouvier, G.; Burgisser, H; Sweitzer, R. (1951). “Tuberculose chez un chamois“. Schweizer Arch Tierheil. 93: 689–695.
  11. Gallagher, J.; Clifton-Hadley, R. S. (2000). Tuberculosis in badgers; a review of the disease and its significance for other animals. (PDF). Research in Veterinary Science. 69 (3): 203–217.
  12. British Veterinary Association. Tuberculosis overview. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
  13. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). July 2017.Summary of responses to the consultation on Guidance to Natural England on licensed badger control to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
  14. Dale, Thomas Francis, The fox, Longmans, Green, and Co., 1906.
  15. Worcester News. 13 May 2003. Stolen Boris pays final price. Accessed 31 January 2021.
  16. Staff and agencies. The Guardian. 13 May 2003. Five injured in a right sett-to. Accessed 31 January 2021.
  17. Helen Carter. The Guardian. 13 May 2003. Rampaging badger’s reign of terror. Accessed 31 January 2021.
  18. Heptner, V. G.; Sludskii, A. A. (2002). “Mammals of the Soviet Union”. Vol. II, part 1b, Carnivores (Mustelidae). Washington, D.C. : Smithsonian Institution Libraries and National Science Foundation. pp. 1241–1242
  19. König 1973, pp. 162–163,
  20. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Meles meles in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.

#4 Greater Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris)

Photo by Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang

The greater hog badger, also simply known as the hog badger, is a terrestrial mustelid native to southeast Asia, starting from Sikkim and northeastern China to Thailand.

Appearance

At first glance the greater hog badger may look similar to the European badger, with their stocky body and two black stripes on a white face, but they are generally smaller, have larger front claws, and a pig-like snout that is pink in colour instead of black or grey. Another distinguishing characteristic is that they have light-coloured claws, as opposed to the dark claws associated with European badgers. They also have modified teeth which point forward that are specifically used for turning over soil. Their fur is medium in length and ranges from dark grey to brown in colour, with a tail that ranges from white to pale yellow.(1)(2)(3)

Habitat

The greater hog badger dwells in grasslands, hills, mountains, tropical rainforests, tropical evergreen, and semi-evergreen forests.(1)(3)

Behaviour

They are solitary animals that are described as diurnal and ground-dwelling, and not prone to shyness.(4) Using their long claws, incisors, and canine teeth of their lower jaws, they will burrow into the ground in search of food or to create a habitat.(3)

Reproduction

There is currently no information available regarding their reproduction.

Diet

They are omnivorous, and depending on what is available, their diet can consist of worms, fruits, roots, tubers, and small animals.(1)(2)(3)

Predators

Since they are quite skilled at digging their way out of trouble, tigers and leopards are their only known predators.(3)

Threats

Tigers and leopards are the only known natural predators of the greater hog badger. To escape danger when threatened, they can use their large claws to burrow out of sight.(1) Other threats include being heavily hunted in some areas for either food purposes or trade. This has contributed to their decreasing numbers. Greater hog badgers are protected animals in Thailand and India.(4)

Geographic range

Body length: 55–70 cm / 22–28 in(3)
Tail length: 12–17 cm / 4.7–6.7 in(3)
Weight: 7–14 kg / 15–31 lb(3)
Lifespan: Unknown (wild) up to 15 years (captivity)(3)
Range: Central and Southeast Asia.
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Subfamily: Melinae
Recognised subspecies(5)(6)

  1. A. c. collaris — Greater hog badger.
  2. A. c. consul — Burmese hog badger.
  3. A. c. dictator — Indochinese hog badger.
  4. A. c. leucolaemus — Chinese hog badger.
References

  1. Edmunds, T. 2003. “Encyclopedia of Life” (On-line). Arctonyx collaris. Accessed 18 March, 2020 at http://eol.org/pages/328030/details.
  2. Baker, N. 2012. Ecology Asia (On-line). Mammals of Southeast Asia: Hog Badger. Accessed 18 March 2020.
  3. Toben, J. 2013. Arctonyx collaris (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed 20 November, 2020.
  4. Duckworth, J.W., Timmins, R., Chutipong, W., Gray, T.N.E., Long, B., Helgen, K., Rahman, H., Choudhury, A. & Willcox, D.H.A. 2016. Arctonyx collaris The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T70205537A45209459. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70205537A45209459.en. Downloaded on 18 March 2020.
  5. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Arctonyx collaris in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.
  6. Animal Spot. Hog Badger. Accessed 09 February 2021.

#5 Japanese Badger (Meles anakuma)

Photo by Nzrst1jx

The Japanese badger, known in Japanese as anaguma (穴熊) which means “hole-bear”, is a species of badger unique to Japan. This species is found in Honshū, Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Shōdoshima, notably being absent from Hokkaidō.(1)

Appearance

Japanese badgers are physically similar to European badgers with exception to their pelt color, with their dark brown fur and their pale faces contrasting with dark eye markings. This badger’s eye markings in particular are unique as they fade off before they reach the snout or ears, giving them a panda-like appearance.(1)

Habitat

The habitats of the Japanese badger consists of deciduous woods, mixed woodland, and copses. This species of badger is also sometimes found in suburban areas as well as agricultural land. Hills and slopes are a preferred habitat for their dens, as gravity can aid in the digging of setts and increased drainage can help prevent setts from flooding.(1)

Behaviour

Japanese badger social behaviour differs from the European badger in that they live predominantly solitary lives, with males only interacting with females to mate and play no role in rearing the young.(2) They do however still have nocturnal habits, staying underground in lone setts during the day and coming out to forage at night. These badgers can have many setts within their territories, males tending to have 32 to 71 and females having 20 to 41. They mark these setts with subcaudal gland secretions to mark their territory.(1)

Reproduction

Japanese badgers reproduce similarly to Eurasian badgers. Litters normally contain 1 to 4 young, but can sometimes have up to 6. The birth mass ranges between 75 and 90 g, with an average of 80 g. Weaning is typically completed by 5 weeks after birth, with the majority of individuals weaned by 4 to 6 weeks. Male offspring stay with their mother for up to 26 months, but female offspring only stay with the mother for 14 months. Females acquire sexual maturity at an average age of 24 months, whereas males normally reach it at 15 months.(3)(4)

Unlike Eurasian badgers, Japanese badgers do not create male-female partnerships to raise offspring. During mating season, males increase their home range to include two or three females. Male badgers are solitary for the majority of the year, but create brief connections with one or more females during the breeding season. Mating and fertilisation can happen at any time of the year, but cubs are only born in the spring. This could be related to delayed implantation, which occurs when a fertilised egg enters the uterus but does not fully implant in the uterine lining. During the spring (April-June), births occur in underground dens.(3)

Diet

The Japanese badger primarily feeds on earthworms, but will also consume berries and beetles in the summer months. Within a Tōkyō suburb called Hinode, badgers are also known to switch from eating earthworms to eating persimmons (a type of fruit) during the autumn.(2)

Predators

Predators of the Japanese badger include wolves, foxes, feral dogs, and humans.(1)

Threats

The main threat to this species is habitat loss as land is claimed for agriculture and land development, causing the badger population to drop. There are also other issues such as introduced raccoons which compete with badgers for resources,(2) and recent culling encouraged by the Japanese government.(5)

Geographic range

Body length: 79 cm / 31 in (males), 72 cm / 28 in (females)(1)
Tail length: 14–20 cm / 5.5–7.9 in(6)
Weight: 3.8–11 kg / 8.4–24.3 lb(6)
Lifespan: Up to 10 years (wild), up to 19 years (captivity)(1)
Range: Endemic to Japan, and is found on Honshū, Kyūshū, Shikoku and Shōdoshima.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Melinae
References

  1. Riney, J. 2011. Meles anakuma (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 20, 2020.
  2. Kaneko, Y.; Masuda, R.; Abramov, A.V. (2016). “Meles anakuma”. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2016: e.T136242A45221049. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T136242A45221049.en
  3. Neal, E. 1986. “The Natural History of Badgers”. Great Britain: Croom Helm Ltd.
  4. Neal, E., C. Cheeseman. 1996. “Badgers”. London: T & A D Poyser Ltd.
  5. Hornyak, T. (2017-06-09). “Ecologists warn of Japanese badger cull ‘crisis'”. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature.2017.22131.
  6. Tanaka, H. (2006). “Winter hibernation and body temperature fluctuation in the Japanese badger, Meles meles anakuma”. Zoological science, 23(11), 991-997.

#6 Northern Hog Badger (Arctonyx albogularis)

Photo by jpgalvan
Alternate photo: Link

The northern hog badger is widely distributed and common throughout much of China, with its distribution extending over most of the eastern half of the country. There is also one isolated record in eastern Mongolia.(1) The northern hog badger was formally considered a subspecies of the greater hog badger,(2) but the IUCN and American Society of Mammalogists considers them to be a distinct species.(3)(4)

Appearance

The northern hog badger is shaggy-coated and medium-sized (about the size of a European badger), being smaller than the greater hog badger. They are more gracile in all aspects of cranial conformation, and on average differ in having smaller premolars and molars compared to that species. The northern hog badger differs from both the northern and Sumatran hog badger by having only a moderately developed sagittal crest in the oldest animals. When compared to the Sumatran hog badger specifically, they differ further in having a larger skull on average, larger molars, a rostrum that is on average wider and proportionally less elongate, and a wider postdental palate.(1)

Habitat

The northern hog badger is found in temperate forests and grasslands of eastern Asia, specifically the Himalayas and China. They tend to live in burrows, dug especially along rivers and streams and under boulders. They are ecologically versatile and can be found from sea-level to at least 4,300 metres (14,000 feet) in China.(1)

Behaviour

They appear to be solitary. Unlike other species of hog badger, the northern hog badger hibernates throughout winter from November to February or May, particularly in northern China.(1)

Reproduction

Northern hog badgers appear to only socialise during the mating season in April and May. Young are born in February and March, and the litters can apparently range in size from one to four. Their young are weaned after about four months.(1)

Diet

Northern hog badgers are opportunistic omnivores. In south-eastern China the species is entirely carnivorous, feeding mainly on small vertebrates (especially rodents) and a considerable proportion of gastropods. They are not believed to consume plant matter.(1)

In contrast, a study of the northern hog badger’s diet at Long Xian in Shaanxi Province found that earthworms, roots, leaves, beetles, cicadas, lepidopteran larvae, and acorns were on the main menu, with some seasonal variability. Remains of small vertebrates such as rodents, snakes, frogs and bird were only found in 16% of stomachs. Earthworms appeared to be consumed more during late spring to autumn than in winter and early spring.(1)

Additional studies at a Milwaukee zoo noted that two hog badgers ate “most anything,” both meat and vegetal, further suggesting that the species is an opportunistic feeder with a diet that varies with season, location, and perhaps even individual preference.(1)

Predators

The species is preyed upon by various large carnivores such as leopards, wolves, and bears.(1)

Geographic range

Body length:Not reported
Tail length: Not reported
Weight: Not reported
Lifespan: Unknown (wild), unknown (captivity)
Range: The temperate forests and grasslands of eastern Asia.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Melinae
References

  1. KRISTOFER M. HELGEN, NORMAN T-L. LIM, LAUREN E. HELGEN, The hog-badger is not an edentate: systematics and evolution of the genus Arctonyx (Mammalia: Mustelidae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 154, Issue 2, October 2008, Pages 353–385.
  2. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Arctonyx collaris in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.
  3. Helgen, K. & Chan, B. 2016. Arctonyx albogularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T70206273A70206436. Downloaded on 10 February 2021.
  4. ASM Mammal Diversity Database. “Explore the Database”. Accessed 27 January, 2022.

#7 Sumatran Hog Badger (Arctonyx hoevenii)

Alternate photos: Link 1 and Link 2

The Sumatran hog badger is found on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, along the length of the Bukit Barisan mountain chain.(1)(2) The Sumatran hog badger was formally considered a subspecies of the greater hog badger,(3) but the IUCN and American Society of Mammalogists considers them to be a distinct species.(1)(4)

Appearance

The Sumatran hog badger is smaller than other Arctonyx species, and is compared to the size of a very large domestic cat. The skull can be distinguished from other Arctonyx by their smaller size, narrow rostrum, pronounced sagittal crest, and proportionally small teeth. The fur is also sparser and much darker.(2)

Habitat

They have been recorded in montane forests and adjacent mountain meadows situated between 800 and 2,400 metres (2,624 and 7,874 feet).(2)

Behaviour

Not much is known about the behaviour of the Sumatran hog badger, and much of their social structure remains a mystery. They are, however, known to be active both day and night. Camera-trapping in Gunung Tujuh, Kerinci Seblat National Park indicates they are mostly diurnal and crepuscular in that area.(1)

Reproduction

There is currently no information available regarding their reproduction.

Diet

Not much is known about their diet, but it is presumed they feed on almost entirely of ground-living invertebrates—particularly earthworms, ants, and beetle larvae.(1)

Predators

The Sumatran hog badger is preyed upon by both humans and large carnivores. They are perhaps most preyed upon by wild cats.(1)

Geographic range

Body length: Not reported
Tail length: Not reported
Weight: Not reported
Lifespan: Unknown (wild), unknown (captivity)
Range: The mountains and adjacent foothills of Sumatra.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Melinae
References

  1. Holden, J., Helgen, K., Shepherd, C. & McCarthy, J. 2016. Arctonyx hoeveniiThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T70205771A70205927. Downloaded on 09 February 2021.
  2. KRISTOFER M. HELGEN, NORMAN T-L. LIM, LAUREN E. HELGEN, The hog-badger is not an edentate: systematics and evolution of the genus Arctonyx (Mammalia: Mustelidae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 154, Issue 2, October 2008, Pages 353–385.
  3. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Arctonyx collaris in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.
  4. ASM Mammal Diversity Database. “Explore the Database”. Accessed 27 January, 2022.

#8 North American Badger (Taxidea taxus)
This species shares the common name “badger”, but is not directly related to other species on this page.

Photo by Yathin S Krishnappa

The North American badger, also more commonly simply known as the American badger, is found primarily in the Great Plains region of North America. Despite their appearance and common name they are arguably not true badgers. That is, if the ratel is not considered a true badger because they are not included in the subfamily Melinae, the same would seemingly apply to the North American badger.

Appearance

The North American badger’s short legs and broad body would suggest a link to other badger species such as the European badger, however, the two are not closely related, with both belonging to a separate genus. North American badgers have grizzled, brown, black, and white fur—having a nearly brown-tan appearance. They have black and white patches on their face, including brown to black markings on the cheeks known as “badges”. The throat and chin are whitish, and a white dorsal stripe extends from the nose to the base of the head. In the subspecies T. t. berlandieri the white dorsal stripe extends the full length of the body to the rump.

Habitat

Their habitat of choice are mainly dry, open grasslands, fields, and pastures, usually with friable soil and a supply of rodent prey.(1) They are sometimes found at elevations up to 3,700 m (12,000 feet), but are usually found at elevations lower and warmer than those characterised by coniferous forests.(2)(3)

In Arizona, North American badgers can be found in desert scrub and semi-arid grasslands.(4)

In California, they mostly thrive on agricultural lands with open grasslands, protected land trust and open space properties, and regional, state, and national park lands with grassland habitat. They are seen on rare occasions in open chaparral (less than 50% plant cover) and riparian zones. They are uncommon in mature chaparral.(5)

In Manitoba, their presence in aspen parklands was found to be positively related to the quantity of Richardson’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii).(6)

Behaviour

The North American badger is a solitary species, and tend to only interact during their breeding season to seek out mates. They are predominantly nocturnal, with some exceptions in particularly remote areas. At high elevations and latitudes, they are torpid during winter, but are not true hibernators. They tend to spend the winter in cycles of torpor, which usually last about 29 hours.(1)

They are skilled diggers, and can tunnel rapidly through soil. They use their powerful forelimbs to break the soil and push the debris behind or to the sides of its body.(2) Their burrows are used as dens for sleeping, to escape from predators, and for the pursuit of prey. These dens can be as far as 3 metres (9.8 feet) below the surface and contain about 10 metres (32.8 feet) of tunnels, with an enlarged chamber for sleeping. North American badgers may not use the same burrow more than once a month, and in the summer they may dig a new burrow each day.(1)

Tool use

In a study that took place in southern Alberta, the North American badger was observed to use soil or objects to plug tunnel openings to entrap Richardson’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). This hunting technique accounted for 5–23% of hunting actions in 4 consecutive years of the 15 year study.(7)

Hunting associations between North American badgers and coyotes

North American badgers and coyotes have been known to hunt prairie dogs and ground-squirrels in tandem. Studies have shown this unusual relationship is beneficial for both species—the coyote will chase down prey that runs from the badger, and the badger will dig after prey if it heads underground to escape the coyote. Typically this pairing is one badger to one coyote. However, one study found about 9% of sightings included two coyotes to one badger, while 1% had one badger to three coyotes.(8)(9)(10)(11)

Reproduction

After a year, most female North American badgers become pregnant for the first time. A small percentage aged four to five months ovulate and become pregnant. Males do not often reproduce until their second year.(12)

Mating takes place in late summer and early autumn. Some males will breed with multiple females. Pregnancies in North American badgers are halted until December or as late as February due to delayed implantation. From late March to early April, young are born in litters ranging from one to five young, with an average of three.(12)(13)

The young are born furred and blind,(12) and after four to six weeks their eyes open. Prior to complete weaning and for a few weeks afterwards, the mother feeds her young solid foods.(13) At five to six weeks of age, the young emerge from the den on their own.(14) Families typically scatter and juveniles disperse around the end of June to the end of August. However, some young might leave their mother as early as late May or June.

Diet

The menu consists of small burrowing animals such as ground squirrels, rats, gophers, and other small animals. North American badgers can also be found supplementing their diets with plant foods such as corn, green beans, and mushrooms.(1)

Predators

Golden eagles, coyotes, bobcats, bears, and grey wolves will occasionally kill North American badgers,(1) with cougars supposedly being the main predators of adults.(15) However, humans are most lethal for them, due to habitat destruction, trapping, hunting, automobile fatalities, and poisoning.(1)

Misrepresentations in media

Though perhaps not quite as sensationalised as weasels and the wolverine, the North American badger has had its share of misrepresentations—mostly in the form of rumours and internet memes. One meme in particular perpetuates the misbelief that the North American badger is superficially “vicious” compared to the European badger.(16) Clearly the meme is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Western European versus American (United States) culture, but it is easy to make the European badger seem “friendlier” when they are compared to a seemingly dramatic and contextless photo of the North American badger.

We can appreciate a joke, but since many do not even know what a North American badger is, we want to set the record straight. For one, they are not a U.S. brand of badger. Given that Taxidea taxus is often simply called the “American badger”, like all mustelids with only American in their common name, they tend to be mistaken as being exclusively native to or found in the United States. Taxidea taxus is native the North American countries of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Regardless of their looks, both the North American and European badger would become aggressive if they had reason to feel threatened (e.g., suffering from injury, distress, or illness). However, despite the behavioural misconceptions that these types of memes perpetuate, it is extremely rare for a wild badger of either species to attack a human when unprovoked.

Geographic range

Body length: 60–75 cm / 23.5–29.5 in
Weight: 6–11 kg / 14–25 lb (males), 6–7 kg / 14–16 lb (females)(10)(17)(18)(19)
Lifespan: Up to 14 years (wild),(20) up to 15 years (captivity)(13)
Range: Western and central United States, northern Mexico, and south-central Canada.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Taxidiinae
Recognised subspecies(21)

  1. T. t. berladieri
  2. T. t. jacksoni
  3. T. t. jeffersonii
  4. T. t. marylandica
  5. T. t. taxus
References

  1. Shefferly, N. 1999. Taxidea taxus (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed 22 July, 2020.
  2. Long, Charles A.; Killingley, Carl Arthur. (1983). “The Badgers of the World”. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishing.
  3. De Vos, A. “Ecological conditions affecting the production of wild herbivorous mammals on grasslands”. Advances in ecological research 6 (1969): 137-183. p. 137-179.
  4. Davis, Russell. “Mammals of woodland and forest habitats in the Rincon Mountains of Saguaro National Monument, Arizona”. No. 47. National Park Service, Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona, 1992.
  5. Quinn, Ronald D. “Habitat preferences and distribution of mammals in California chaparral”. Vol. 202. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 1990.
  6. Bird, Ralph D. Biotic communities of the aspen parkland of central Canada. Ecology 11.2 (1930): 356-442.
  7. Michener, Gail R. Hunting techniques and tool use by North American badgers preying on Richardson’s ground squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy 85.5 (2004): 1019-1027.
  8. U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. November 2, 2016. “Spotted! A Coyote and Badger Hunting Together”. Accessed 9 February, 2020.
  9. McLendon, Russell. Treehugger. (2020). “Why coyotes and badgers hunt together”. Accessed 9 February, 2020.
  10. Minta, Steven C., et al. “Hunting Associations between Badgers (Taxidea Taxus) and Coyotes (Canis Latrans).” Journal of Mammalogy, vol. 73, no. 4, 1992, pp. 814–820. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1382201. Accessed 28 April 2020.
  11. CBS News YouTube. 5 February 2020.Video shows coyote and badger on a mission together“. Accessed 9 February, 2020.
  12. Long, Charles A. Taxonomic revision of the North American badger, Taxidea taxus. Journal of Mammalogy 53.4 (1972): 725-759.
  13. Lindzey, Frederick G. (1982). “Badger: Taxidea taxus.”, pp. 653–663 in Chapman, Joseph A.; Feldhamer, George A., eds. Wild mammals of North America: Biology, management, and economics. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
  14. Messick, John P., and Maurice G. Hornocker. “Ecology of the badger in southwestern Idaho”. Wildlife Monographs 76 (1981): 3-53.
  15. Thomas, Pete. USA Today. (10 September, 2019). “This cougar’s diet might surprise you”. Accessed 9 February, 2020.
  16. Reddit. Badger manners. Accessed 5 October, 2022.
  17. Feldhamer, George A.; Bruce Carlyle Thompson; Joseph A. Chapman (2003). “Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation”. JHU Press. p. 683. ISBN 0-8018-7416-5.
  18. Lindzey, Fred (1994) “Badgers”, Ch. 28 in The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. ISBN 9780961301514
  19. Quinn, J. H. (2008). “The ecology of the American badger Taxidea taxus in California: assessing conservation needs on multiple scales”. University of California, Davis.
  20. Lindsey, Frederick G. (1971). Ecology of badgers in Curlew Valley, Utah and Idaho with emphasis on movement and activity patterns. Logan, UT: Utah State University.
  21. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Taxidea taxus in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.

#9 Ratel (Mellivora capensis)
When called the “honey badger”, this species may have “badger” in their common name, but they are not directly related to other species on this page.

Photo by Ray Turnbull

The ratel, also more commonly called the honey badger, is a terrestrial animal that is widely distributed in Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The name ratel comes from the Middle Dutch raat, meaning “honeycomb”. Despite their badger-like appearance and more popular common name, they are generally not considered to be true badgers.(1)(2)(3)

Appearance

Though the colour varies slightly by subspecies, generally the lower half of the body is dark black, with lighter shades of fur above that are either grey or white. The lighter fur colouring extends from the forehead to the base of the tail. Ratels have very thick and loose skin, which gives them an advantage over their predators by enabling them to easily escape another animal’s grasp.(4)

Habitat

The ratel is known to occupy elevations ranging from sea level to 2,600 metres (8,530 feet) above sea level in the Moroccan High Atlas, and 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains. Their habitats include tropical and subtropical green forests, thorn forests, open woodlands, riparian forests or grasslands, arid steppes, rocky hills, and deserts.(4)(5) They are generally not found in the driest portions of the Sahara Desert or the chaparral areas around the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer habitats with burrows, rock crevices, or other areas where they can seek shelter.(4)

Their large claws give them the ability to be skilled diggers, and capable of quickly digging tunnels into hard ground. Their burrows usually have only one entry and are around 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) long.(6)

Behaviour

Ratels are nomadic and mostly solitary, but have been seen hunting in pairs. They are known for their strength and boldness, and will attack almost any other species when they are cornered, including much larger predators such as lions and hyenas.(7)

There is a common belief that the ratel was listed as the “world’s most fearless animal” in a 2002 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records, but there is no reliable evidence found online to support this claim. In any case, they are more brave than “fearless” animals, as the latter label misleadingly implies they are too foolhardy to acknowledge danger.

Reproduction

According to a study regarding ratels in South Africa, the age for sexual maturity is not known for either sex, but it is believed to be around 2 to 3 years old for males and 12 to 16 months for females. Female ratels are polyandrous and will mate with multiple males while receptive, which usually lasts 2 weeks. Unlike most other mustelids, the female does not mate annually, despite having a short gestation period. The gestation period lasts approximately 50 to 70 days, usually resulting in the birth of one cub.

Cubs are born blind and remain with the mother for a period of 12 to 16 months. As with most mustelids, the mother is solely responsible for raising their young. The cubs do not leave the den unless carried by the mother for about 3 months. In southern Kalahari, research showed that cubs will stay with their mothers for approximately 12 to 16 months, gaining valuable hunting, climbing and digging skills. These skills are important, as the mortality rates for young ratels is approximately 47%, as a result of starvation or predation.(8)

Diet

Ratels are opportunistic foragers and eat a variety of smaller food items such as small rodents, snakes, birds, frogs, insect larvae, beetles, scorpions, and lizards. They will occasionally catch larger animals such as the python, South African springhare, striped polecat, cape fox, African wild cat, and many others. Ratels are also known to eat fruit, roots, and bulbs.(4) Ratels are partial to bee hives. They are known for damaging commercial hives by breaking into the hives and consuming both the honey and bee larvae, which results in a monetary loss for beekeepers.(9)

Predators

Due to their thick skin, strength, and defensive abilities, the ratel has few natural predators. However, despite these advantages they are not invincible. Although rare, they can be seriously injured or killed by larger predators such as African leopards, lions, and spotted hyenas.(4) They have even been found stung to death by honeybees—particularly when caught in apiary traps.(9)

Baby cheetahs have long and white fur called a mantle that runs from their head down to their back—making them look similar to the ratel. Although the exact reason is inconclusive, some believe this mantle is intended to mimic the ratel to deter predators.(4)

Honeyguides myth

Contrary to popular belief, there is no persuasive evidence that honeyguides guide ratels.(10)(11)(12) It is believed this myth became popular after dishonest wildlife documentary-makers filmed a tamed ratel interacting with a stuffed honeyguide.(10)(13)

Intelligence and perception in media

Many of us are aware of the frequent one-track discussions surrounding the ratel’s boldness, as well as numerous memes claiming “honey badgers don’t care”, but is this truly all there is to the species? Few bring attention to the fact that the ratel is also a very clever animal, and that recent observations have shown they are capable of problem solving. One male ratel named Stoffel has been observed using tools—taking and using objects to stand or climb on to escape captivity, or to reach food that would otherwise be out of his reach.(14)

Stoffel is a rescued ratel that is kept at the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa. His caretaker, Brian Jones, built Stoffel an enclosure to keep him out of trouble. However, Stoffel’s incredible escape antics have made him the discussion of the species’ intelligence. Stoffel would dig up rocks and pile them into a corner to reach the top of the wall, when the rocks were removed, he would roll mud balls into a corner to accomplish the same escape. He would also grab rakes, shovels, tyres, and any other item he could use to climb out of his enclosure.(14) A 2014 documentary featuring Stoffel was made by the PBS’s Nature TV series, Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayhem.

One important note we must make is that while Stoffle is the main focus of the film, some of his behaviour should not be compared to that of a wild ratel’s. His reckless and so-called “fearless” behaviour of attacking other animals within the rehabilitation centre was likely due to a lack of stimulation at the time. Being reared as a “pet”, Stoffle also probably had no need to hunt or focus on survival throughout his life, and as a result, never fully matured. A wild ratel would likely exercise more caution. Regardless of what popular media often leads us to believe, part of a mustelid’s survival instinct is knowing how to avoid unnecessary fights, not start them.

Geographic range

Body length: 60–75 cm / 23.5–29.5 in(15)
Tail length: 12–30 cm / 4.7–11.8 in(15)
Weight: 6.4–16 kg / 14–35 lb (males), 5–10 kg / 11–22 lb (females)
Lifespan: Unknown (wild), up to 26 years (captivity)(4)
Range: Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Conservation status: Least concern
Subfamily: Mellivorinae
Recognised subspecies(16)

  1. M. c. abyssinica
  2. M. c. buechneri
  3. M. c. capensis
  4. M. c. concisa
  5. M. c. cottoni
  6. M. c. inaurita
  7. M. c. indica
  8. M. c. leuconota
  9. M. c. maxwelli
  10. M. c. pumilio
  11. M. c. signata
  12. M. c. wilsoni
References

  1. Davies, M. J. The chemical ecology of mustelids. Chemical ecology: encyclopedia of life support systems. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Eolss Publishers Co. Ltd, Oxford (2009): 438-449. pp. 439.
  2. Agnarsson, Ingi, Matjaž Kuntner, and Laura J. May-Collado. “Dogs, cats, and kin: a molecular species-level phylogeny of Carnivora”. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 54.3 (2010): 726-745.
  3. Hancox, M. “Dental anomalies in the Eurasian badger”. Journal of Zoology 216.4 (1988): 606-608.
  4. Hoffman, Z. 2014. “Mellivora capensis (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed July 21, 2020.
  5. Do Linh San, E., et al. Honey Badger. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e. T41629A45210107.” (2016).
  6. Heptner, V. G., and A. A. Sludskii. “Mammals of the Soviet Union. Vol. II, part 1b, Carnivores (Mustelidae and Procyonidae).” Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Libraries and National Science Foundation (2002). p. 1225.
  7. Hunter, Luke. Carnivores of the world. Vol. 117. Princeton University Press, 2019.
  8. Carter, S., et al. The honey badger in South Africa: biology and conservation. Int J Avian Wildl Biol 2.2 (2017): 00091.
  9. Begg, K. S. Report on the conflict between beekeepers and honey badgers Mellivora capensis, with reference to their conservation status and distribution in South Africa. Unpublished report for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg (2001).
  10. Dean, W. R. J., W. Roy Siegfried, and I. A. W. MacDonald. “The fallacy, fact, and fate of guiding behavior in the greater honeyguide”. Conservation Biology 4.1 (1990): 99-101.
  11. Fincham, John E., Richard Peek, and Miles Markus. “The Greater Honeyguide: Reciprocal signalling and innate recognition of a Honey Badger”. Biodiversity Observations 8 (2017): 12-1.
  12. Macdonald, I. “The honeyguide and the honey-badger: a persistent African fairy tale”. Africa–Environment & Wildlife 2.4 (1994): 13.
  13. Yong, Ed (21, July 2016). “How To Summon The Bird That Guides You To Honey”. The Atlantic Monthly Group. Accessed 23 January 2020.
  14. PBS’s Nature TV series. (2014). Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayhem“.
  15. Rosevear, D. R. (1974). “The Carnivores of West Africa”. London: British Museum (Natural History).
  16. Wilson, Don E. & Reeder, DeeAnn M. (Editors) 2005. Mellivora capensis in Mammal Species of the World. – A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.

What Are Mustelids?

Badgers | Ferret-Badgers | Fisher | Grisons | Martens | Otters | Tayra | Weasels | Wolverine