10 Badger Species, Information and Pictures

badgers-eat.html">Badgers belong to the family Mustelidae, order Carnivora, and are medium-sized, adaptable mammals. Below are 10 notable species found around the world:

1. European Badger (Meles meles)

Native to Europe, Western and Central Asia, found in forests, grasslands, and even urban parks. Reaches elevations up to 2,000 meters. Known for their burrowing skills and strong body.

2. Asian Badger (Meles leucurus)

Found from Eastern Russia to China and the Himalayas. Occupies diverse habitats including coniferous and deciduous forests, steppe, and tundra. Breeds year-round with delayed implantation.

3. Chinese Ferret-badger (Melogale moschata)

A small mustelid measuring 33–43 cm in body length, native to Southeast Asia. Nocturnal, lives in burrows or tree hollows, feeds on insects, fruit, and small animals. Emits a foul-smelling secretion when threatened.

4. American Badger (Taxidea taxus)

Lives in the arid grasslands of western North America. Body length 42–65 cm, weight 4–12 kg. Solitary and powerful, feeds mainly on rodents and small mammals. Breeds in late summer.

5. Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis)

Found in Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Body length 85 cm, black belly with a contrasting gray head and neck. Known for raiding beehives and its fierce temperament.

6. Bornean Ferret-badger (Melogale everetti)

Endemic to northern Borneo, has dark grayish fur and a ferret-like white facial mask. Adapted to climbing and burrowing. Lives mostly in highland rainforests, threatened by deforestation.

7. Burmese Ferret-badger (Melogale personata)

Ranges from Nepal to Vietnam and Cambodia. Weighs 1–3 kg, gray to brown coat with a white dorsal stripe. Excellent digger and climber, feeds on insects and snails.

8. Javan Ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis)

Found in Java and Bali, Indonesia. Nocturnal, lives in montane forests between 1,300–2,000 m. Reddish-brown silky fur, white markings on face and chest, often found in small groups.

9. Indonesian Stink Badger (Mydaus javanensis)

Inhabits Java, Borneo, Sumatra, and Natuna. Grows up to 50 cm long and weighs 3.6 kg. Notable for its powerful anal gland secretions. Diet includes insects, worms, birds, and plants.

10. Palawan Stink Badger (Mydaus marchei)

Found in western Philippines (Palawan, Busuanga, Calauit). Measures 32–46 cm, weighs up to 2.5 kg. Dark coat with scattered white patches, emits a potent odor, classified as vulnerable.

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