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Badgers: systematics, biology, conservation and research techniques, pages 31–116.
G. Proulx and E. Do Linh San, editors, 2016.
Alpha Wildlife Publications, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.
Chapter 2
World Distribution and Status of
Badgers — A Review
Gilbert PROULX
Alpha Wildlife Research & Management Ltd, 229 Lilac Terrace, Sherwood Park, Alberta ,T8H 1W3, Canada.
Email: gproulx@alphawildlife.ca
Alexei V. ABRAMOV
Laboratory of Mammalogy, Zoological Institute Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab., 1 Saint-
Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
Ian ADAMS
Vast Resource Solutions, P.O. Box 538, 4500 Mennie Road, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4J1, Canada.
Andrew P. JENNINGS
Small Carnivores – Research and Conservation, 83 St. Lawrence Street, Portland, Maine, USA.
Igor KHOROZYAN
Workgroup on Endangered Species, room 2.111, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and
Anthropology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Bürgerstrasse 50, Göttingen 37073, Germany.
Luis M. ROSALINO
cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de
Lisboa, Ed. C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; and CESAM & Departamento de Biologia, Univer-
sidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Margarida SANTOS-REIS
cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de
Lisboa, Ed. C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
Géraldine VERON
Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité,UMR 7205 CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE, Muséum National
d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP 51, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Emmanuel DO LINH SAN
Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
31
Abstract – This chapter reviews the distribution and status of a group of small to
medium-sized carnivores belonging to different sub-families of mustelids and mephitids
that have similar morphological characteristics and fossorial activities. On the basis of
scientic literature and a questionnaire that was sent to wildlife researchers and agencies
in countries where badger species are or might be present, we provide information on the
current distribution of American badger (Taxidea taxus), European badger (Meles meles),
32 World distribution and status of badgers
Southwest Asian badger (Meles canescens), Asian badger (Meles leucurus), Japanese
badger (Meles anakuma), honey badger (Mellivora capensis), greater hog-badger (Arctonyx
collaris), northern hog-badger (Arctonyx albogularis), Sumatran hog-badger (Arctonyx
hoevenii), Sunda stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis), Palawan stink-badger (Mydaus
marchei), large-toothed ferret-badger (Melogale personata), small-toothed ferret-badger
(Melogale moschata), Javan ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis), Bornean ferret-badger
(Melogale everetti), and Vietnam ferret-badger (Melogale cucphuongensis). We also
report on populations, habitats, and factors that threaten the survival of these species, and
identify research and conservation needs. While extensive research has been conducted
on some Meles species, and reliable basic knowledge has been acquired on T. taxus and
M. capensis, little is known on the population and habitat ecology of most other badger
species. We highlight the need to conduct surveys, monitor populations and assess the
effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbance agents on resource use by badger species,
in order to develop species-specic comprehensive conservation programs.
INTRODUCTION
Badgers are a group of small to medium-sized carnivores that occur in North America, Europe,
Asia, and Africa where they inhabit a variety of forests, savannas, grasslands, steppes, semi-
deserts, subalpine meadows, and suburban and agricultural areas. This group includes species
in the genera Arctonyx, Meles, Mellivora, Melogale, Mydaus, and Taxidea, which belong to 4
subfamilies of Mustelidae, apart 1 genus belonging to the Mephitidae (Sato et al. 2012). Although
they are not a monophyletic group (e.g., Dragoo and Honeycutt 1997; McKenna and Bell 1997;
Marmi et al. 2004; Sato et al. 2004; Sato, Chapter 1, this volume), all badgers share some physical
and ecological characteristics. Most have dark faces with distinctive white markings. They
have relatively strong forearms and long claws to dig their burrow or seek their food, i.e., tubers,
arthropods or small vertebrates. Finally, most of them are persecuted by man either because of the
damage that they cause by digging large burrow systems or feeding on crops, honey or poultry.
In this chapter, we use the word “badger” as an umbrella name for a group of 16 species
(Sato, Chapter 1, this volume) for which we review the distribution and status: American badger
(Taxidea taxus), European badger (Meles meles), Southwest Asian badger (Meles canescens),
Asian badger (Meles leucurus), Japanese badger (Meles anakuma), honey badger (Mellivora
capensis), greater hog-badger (Arctonyx collaris), northern hog-badger (Arctonyx albogularis),
Sumatran hog-badger (Arctonyx hoevenii), Sunda stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis), Palawan
stink-badger (Mydaus marchei), large-toothed ferret-badger (Melogale personata), small-toothed
ferret-badger (Melogale moschata), Javan ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis), Bornean ferret-
badger (Melogale everetti), and Vietnam ferret-badger (Melogale cucphuongensis). The chapter
focuses on the geographic distribution and conservation status of extant populations mostly during
the last 20 years, recognizes habitat and population trends and threats, and identies research and
conservation needs.
DATA COLLECTION
An assessment of the status and distribution of badger species was rst obtained from
a review of scientic and grey literature (e.g., technical reports) from various research
institutions, government agencies and conservation organizations. We also sought
information from wildlife biologists and agencies in countries where badger species are
or might be present. No questionnaire was sent for countries that were inhabited by one
of the authors, unless information was required on specic populations, or for which
recent distribution surveys had been published. Questionnaires requested information
on: 1) distribution, with exact locations whenever possible, and relative abundance (e.g.,
common, rare); 2) status (e.g., at risk, furbearer, game, pest or no status); 3) population
trend (e.g., stable, increasing, decreasing or unknown); 4) population threats; 5) habitat
types and trends (declining, increasing, stable or unknown); 6) habitat threats; 7) and
research and conservation needs.
Seventy-eight questionnaires were received with information on 54 countries: Albania,
Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bostwana, Bulgaria, Canada,
Central African Republic, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico,
Moldova, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and
Yemen. There usually was 1 respondent per country, except for Central African Republic,
Indonesia, Russia, Tanzania, UK and USA, where 2-8 questionnaires were received. There
was a marked variation in the quantity and quality of information provided by respondents.
The information was used to dene the contemporary distribution of species. Information
on habitat loss or expansion, and on population trends, was largely subjective and we used
it to ascertain some of the information retrieved from literature. The information provided
by the literature review also varied in quantity and quality. Information about the claimed
distribution of a species was often repeated from one paper to another, and the exact
distribution of a species within a specic country remained unclear. On the other hand, by
gathering reports of scientic studies conducted across the land, we were able to determine
whether the species distribution was widespread or limited to a specic region. Also, some
of the information provided by respondents and the scientic papers could help us to further
determine the extent of a species distribution across countries. For example, when a species
was abundant along the border of a country, this species was expected to be found across the
border in the adjacent country. Reports on the distribution of large- and small-toothed ferret-
badgers that were based solely on photographic records could not be used because these
species look alike (Larivière and Jennings 2009). Likewise, because of recent taxonomic
changes (Helgen et al. 2008), some data on the natural history of Arctonyx could not be used
because they were associated with regions where the greater hog-badger and the northern
hog-badger co-occurred.
In the case of Taxidea taxus, because of the quality of information, we were able to develop
distribution maps and asses the habitat and population status of subspecies. For all other species,
however, because there is no consensus on the status of subspecies (e.g., Do Linh San 2006),
we listed possible subspecies but we limited our review to the species level. Although we
developed distribution maps using information from the respondents and published material,
we consulted published maps (e.g., Newhouse and Kinley 2000; Hwang and Larivière 2003;
Proulx et al. 33
34 World distribution and status of badgers
Vanderhaar and Hwang 2003; Ray et al. 2005; Helgen et al. 2008; IUCN 2013) to “ne-tune”
our maps.
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
American badger (Taxidea taxus)
Description – The American badger is a medium-sized (males weigh up to 12 kg and are 60–79
cm long; Long and Killingley 1983) carnivore with a shaggy appearance and colour varying from
yellowish brown to silver gray (Figure 1). This species has many unique physical characteristics
that adapt it for preying on fossorial rodents. The body of the badger is slightly attened
dorsoventrally, with short, stout legs having long, recurved foreclaws and short, shovel-like hind
claws. The head is wedge shaped, and is broader posteriorly. The sides of the face are white with
a black triangular patch anterior to the ears (Lindzey 2003). There are 4 recognized subspecies
on the basis of skull size and pelage colour: T. t. jeffersonii, T. t. taxus, T. t. jacksonii, and T. t.
berlandieri (Long and Killingley 1983). Taxidea t. jeffersonii is a relatively larger badger with a
reddish brown coloration and a short dorsal stripe. In contrast, T. t. berlandieri is smaller, and has
Figure 1. The American badger
Taxidea taxus
(Photo © Gilbert Proulx).
a distinctive long dorsal stripe, often reaching the base of the tail. Taxidea t. taxus is characterized
by its hoary grayish and whitish coloration, while T. t. jacksonii is similar in form and size but is
darker (Long and Killingley 1983).
Distribution – The American badger occurs in grasslands, shrub-steppe, savannas, open forests
and parklands, and semi-arid deserts from central Alberta to central Mexico (i.e., 54°–19° N), and
from the Pacic Coast to the Great Lakes region (i.e., 125°–80° W) (Messick 1987; Lindzey 2003;
Proulx et al. 35
Fernandez et al. 2007; Paulson 2007) (Figure 2). In Canada, it is mostly found in the southern
regions of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario (COSEWIC 2012).
In the United States, it occurs in most states west of the Mississippi River; it is rare in Arkansas
and absent in Louisiana. There is some evidence that the range of the American badger may be
extending (Long and Killingley 1983; Tumlison and Bastarache 2007; Ontario American Badger
Recovery Team 2010). Overall, the American badger range extends from below sea level to higher
than 3,600 m (Lindzey 2003). The subspecies’ distributions correspond to well-differentiated
geographic regions (Figure 2). However, subspecic ranges may overlap with each other, this
resulting in intermediate forms (Long and Killingley 1983), thus making visual recognition more
subjective.
Figure 2. Distribution of
Taxidea taxus
and its 4 subspecies:
T. t. jeffersonii, T. t. taxus, T. t. jacksoni
,
and
T. t. berlandieri
(after COSEWIC 2012).
36 World distribution and status of badgers
Taxidea taxus jeffersonii
Distribution – In Canada, 2 populations of T. t. jeffersonii are found only in British Columbia
(B.C.): the Thompson–Okanagan population in south-central B.C., and the East Kootenay
population in eastern B.C. (Jeffersonii Badger Recovery Team 2008; Figure 2). The insular
Thompson–Okanagan population has no apparent gene ow with the East Kootenay population
due to the presence of the rugged Selkirk Mountain range and wet closed-canopied forests (Kyle
et al. 2004). The East Kootenay population is, however, genetically connected to the northwestern
Montana T. t. jeffersonii population (Kyle et al. 2004). In the United States, the subspecies is
found in the Rocky Mountains and westward, extending eastward and intergrading with T. t.
taxus on the Great Plains (Long 1972; Hall 1981; Sullivan 1996). It occurs in Montana, Idaho,
Wyoming, Colorado, Washington (eastside; C. Sato, 2012, Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife, personal communication), Oregon (east of the Cascade Range and in eastern Jackson
County; Verts and Carraway 1998), Utah, Nevada, and western California (coastal areas, Sierra
Nevada Range and Great Basin; Quinn 2008). In Mexico, Ruiz-Campos et al. (2002) reported
the presence of the jeffersonii subspecies in San Quintin and Baja California where it would be
conned to the coastal valleys of the Pacic drainage as far south as the 28° N (Figure 2). Ruiz-
Campos et al. (2002) differentiated the collected T. t. jeffersonii specimens from T. t. berlandieri
based on skull measurements and the arrangement of hair mid-shaft scales (Rodríguez-De-La
Gala 2002). The hair scales of T. t. jeffersonii have creanated to rippled margins while those of T. t.
berlandieri have smooth margins (R. Eaton-González, personal communication in Ruiz-Campos
et al. 2002).
Habitat – Badgers of the jeffersonii subspecies prefer locations where they can nd suitable soil
for digging (e.g., coherent coarse silt to ne sand) and nd prey (Rahme et al. 1995; Weir et al.
2003; Paulson 2007; Jeffersonii Badger Recovery Team 2008). They prefer grasslands, elds
and open-canopied forests (Apps et al. 2002; Hoodicoff 2003; Weir et al. 2003), but they also
use early-successional forested habitats created by forest activities (e.g., cut blocks), wildre and
ski-hill developments (Weir et al. 2003; Kinley and Newhouse 2008), and wetlands (Hoodicoff
and Packham 2007). In Canada, badger habitat loss is caused by urban development, agricultural
activities, and forest in-growth and encroachment (COSEWIC 2012). In the United States, habitat
loss is mainly due to agriculture development (Table 1).
Population status and trends – T. t. jeffersonii populations are harvested in most inhabited
jurisdictions (Table 1). In British Columbia, however, no harvest is allowed. In the United States,
trapping seasons are remarkably long, exceeding 3 months per year but often lasting 12 months.
Many badgers may be killed if they cause damage to properties; others are intentionally roadkilled,
or poisoned by rodenticides (e.g., Gonzales 1997; Lay 2008). As a result, even though trappers’
reports may be used to determine population trends, such trends may not be reliable due to the
unknown number of animals destroyed by landowners. A review of states’ hunting and trapping
regulations suggests that T. t. jeffersonii is not protected, even where it is listed as a “Species of
Special Concern” (e.g., Gonzales 1997). Overall, badger numbers are in decline or unknown
(Table 1). Populations of T. t. jeffersonii are threatened by limited gene ow in British Columbia
(Kyle et al. 2004; Ethier et al. 2012).
Research and conservation needs – There is a need to establish sound population monitoring
programs, and to keep records of trapping and pest control activities to properly estimate
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Taxidea taxus jeffersonii
British Least Concern Canada – No trapping Incidental; 16 since Common/Decreasing Low densities and low Weir et al. 2003;
Columbia Endangered since 1967 1967 in some areas, stable to productivity; Newhouse and Kinley
increasing in others metapopulations with 2004; Reid and Helgen
limited gene flow; 2016; Jeffersonii Badger
habitat loss and Recovery Team 2008;
degradation; road COSEWIC 2012;
mortality; persecution; Government of Canada
loss of prey 2012
California Furbearer 104 ≤15 (no ssp. data) Mandatory reports Uncommon/ Habitat loss and Williams 1986; Lay 2008;
Species of from trappers Decreasing fragmentation; rodent Quinn 2008; Association of
Special poisoning; road Fish & Wildlife Agencies
Concern but mortality; and 2012; Game Commission
still persecution 2012
harvested
Colorado Furbearer 120 225 in 2009 Common/Unknown White 2010; Association
Not protected of Fish & Wildlife 2012;
Colorado Parks and
Wildlife 2012
Idaho Furbearer S5 – Year-round Incidental; 164 in 2009 Trappers’ report about Common/Stable White 2010; Idaho Fish
secure and number of captures and & Game 2015
common trapping effort
Montana Nongame S4 – Unkown 319 in 2009 Common/May be Unknown MNHP and MFWP 2010;
apparently (no ssp. data) decreasing Association of Fish &
secure Wildlife Agencies 2012;
MFWP 2012
Nevada Furbearer 365 100 in 2010 Surveys Common/Stable Association of Fish &
Not protected (no ssp. data) Wildlife Agencies 2012;
Nevada Department of
Wildlife 2012
Table 1. Status of populations of
Taxidea taxus
.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Taxidea taxus jeffersonii
Oregon Least Concern Furbearer 365 309 in 2010–2011, Mandatory “Furtaker Common/Highly Urban development, Hiller 2011; Oregon
Not protected mostly incidental harvest report form” fluctuating from road mortality, habitat Department of Fish and
captures year to year loss due to agriculture, Wildlife 2013
persecution
Utah Furbearer 128 163 Surveys Common/May be Unknown Bernales et al. 2012; Utah
Not protected (no ssp. data) decreasing Division of Wildlife
Resources 2012
Washington Furbearer 181 48 in last 10 years Yes but rarely Common in the Rapidly increasing Washington Department of
Species of eastern portion of habitat loss to increasing Fish and Wildlife 2004;
Greatest the state/Unknown human population C. Sato, 2012, Washington
Conservation density, agriculture and Fish and Wildlife, personal
Need but still associated alteration of communication
harvested natural regimes such as
exotic species and fire;
prey base persecution as
pests, and road mortality
Wyoming Furbearer 365 795–1,633 No Common/Harvests Habitat loss S. W. Buskirk, 2012,
Not (no ssp. data) have declined in the University of Wyoming,
protected last 5 years but trapping personal communication;
pressure is unknown R. P. Lanka, 2012,
Wyoming Game & Fish
Department, personal
communication; Orabona
et al. 2012; Wyoming
Game & Fish Commission
2012
Table 1. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Taxidea taxus taxus
Alberta Least Concern Canada – 136 280 (5-yr average) Fur dealers are required Common in southern Habitat loss, road Scobie 2002; Alberta Fish
Species of reported harvest. Actual to report monthly all regions/May be mortality, secondary and Wildlife Division
Concern harvest unknown wildlife taken into decreasing poisoning, trapping, and 2012; COSEWIC 2012;
Alberta – possession; Trapper persecution Reid and Helgen 2016
Furbearer, Report of Fur Bearing
Data Animals Taken
Deficient
Colorado See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Illinois Furbearer 77 15-50 None Common/Stable R. Bluett, 2012, Illinois
Not protected Department of Natural
Resources, personal
communication; Illinois
Department of Natural
Resources 2013
Indiana Non-game 0 0 Accidental captures and Uncommon/ Expansion as a result Indiana Department of
Species of animals found dead must increasing of land-use changes from Natural Resources 2012
special concern be reported forest to farmland and
Protected open pastureland
from trapping
Iowa Furbearer 89 1,220 in 2011–2012 None Common/Stable in Evelsizer 2012; Iowa
Not protected central and eastern Iowa Department of Natural
Declining in northwest Resources 2012
and southeast
Kansas Furbearer 92 1,898 in 2010 None Common/Stable Kansas Department of
Not protected Wildlife, Parks and
Tourism 2012
Manitoba Canada — 112 92 Fur dealer report and Common in southern Habitat loss, road COSEWIC 2012;
Species of problem wildlife report regions/May be mortality, secondary Manitoba Wildlife Branch
Special Concern decreasing poisoning, trapping, and 2012
Manitoba — persecution
Furbearer
Table 1. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Missouri Least Concern “Unrankable” 46 59 in 2010 None Unknown status/May Possibly habitat loss Association of Fish &
due to a lack of be decreasing Wildlife Agencies 2012;
data Blair et al. 2012; Missouri
Conservation Department
2013
Montana See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Nebraska Furbearer 120 3,469 in 2011–2012 None Common/Stable Association of Fish &
Not protected Wildlife Agencies 2012;
Nebraska Game Park 2012
North Dakota Furbearer 100 days for cable 1,730 in 2010 None Common/ Unknown North Dakota Game and
Not protected devices; year round for Decreasing Fish Department 2012
traps and shooting
Ohio Non-game 0 0 Uncommon to rare/ Possible low fecundity, Duquette 2008; J.
Species at risk Unknown habitat loss (particularly Duquette, 2012,
native prairie), landscape Mississippi State, personal
fragmentation, road communication
mortality and direct or
indirect mortality from
human persecution
Saskatchewan Canada – 166 ~ 350/year from Fur Dealer Summary Common in southern Habitat loss, road COSEWIC 2012; Proulx
Species of 1999 to 2010 of Pets Purchased and regions/May be mortality, secondary and MacKenzie 2012a;
Special Concern Fur Export Permit decreasing poisoning, trapping, and Saskatchewan Ministry of
Saskatchewan – persecution Environment, Fish and
Furbearer Wildlife Branch 2012;
Proulx, personal notes
South Dakota Furbearer 365 1,647 in 2010 None Common/Stable, Unknown Huxoll 2010; Association
Not protected possibly increasing of Fish & Wildlife
Agencies 2012
Wyoming See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Table 1. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Taxidea taxus jacksoni
Michigan Least Concern Furbearer 30–120 ≤200 Registration reports Unknown/ Michigan Department of
Not protected depending on regions until 2003 Unknown Natural Resources 2012;
Frawley 2013; Reid and
Helgen 2016
Ohio See T. t. taxus – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Ontario Species at Risk Common/Stable Low density and Ontario American
Endangered reproductive capacity, Badger Recovery Team
and large home range 2010; Government of
with increased Canada 2012
foraging distances and
higher road mortality
Loss of grasslands
Taxidea taxus berlandieri
Arizona Least Concern Furbearer 304 <50 None Common/Stable Arizona Game and Fish
Not protected Department 2012, 2013;
Reid and Helgen 2016
California See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Colorado See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Mexico Nongame Accidental Rare/Unknown Fernandez et al. 2007
Threatened captures
Nevada See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
New Mexico Furbearer 135 168 in 2012 Trapper Harvest Common/Stable Association of Fish &
Not protected Report Wildlife Agencies 2012;
Winslow 2012; New
Mexico Game and Fish
Department 2013
Oklahoma Furbearer 290 ~100 No Common/Stable Association of Fish &
Not protected Wildlife Agencies 2012;
Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation 2012
Texas Furbearer 151 10,000 Common/Stable Texas Parks and Wildlife
Not protected 2009; Knox Jones 2013
Utah See T. t. jeffersonii – accessible information is not sub-species specific
Table 1. Continued.
42 World distribution and status of badgers
human-caused mortality. Conicts between humans and badgers are caused by badger damage
to agriculture lands and sub-urban estates; therefore, it is essential to identify large intact areas
where badgers can establish themselves without the risk of being persecuted by people. These
areas should be protected from vehicle trafc, and properly inter-connected to promote badger
movements and maintain gene ow among populations.
Taxidea taxus taxus
Distribution – Taxidea t. taxus ranges from central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and southern
Manitoba to northern Oklahoma, northeast Texas, and southern Colorado (i.e., from 54°–34° N),
and from central Colorado, Wyoming and Montana to southern Michigan and Ohio (i.e., from
105°–85° W) (Figure 2). In the Canadian Prairie provinces, the range of the species extends roughly
from the 54° N to the Canada–USA border, and from the Alberta foothills and Banff National
Park to the Saskatchewan–Ontario border south of Lake Winnipeg (Scobie 2002; COSEWIC
2012; Royal Saskatchewan Museum 2013; Figure 2). In all provinces, the species is found in the
Prairies Ecozone and extends to the northern Parkland and Boreal transition regions (COSEWIC
2012; Proulx, 2013, unpublished data). American badgers have been reported in a 3,000-km2
area of agricultural land in northwestern Ontario, where their occurrence likely consists of a series
of colonization and extirpation events (COSEWIC 2012). Mitochondrial genetic investigations
suggest that these badgers are more closely related to T. t. taxus than to T. t. jacksoni (Ethier et al.
2012). In the United States, T. t. taxus is found in the prairie lands of the Midwest.
Habitat – The habitat of T. t. taxus is centered on prairie remnants, grasslands and pastures of the
Canadian provinces and the USA (Scobie 2002). These areas provide badgers with suitable soil for
digging, and their main prey, which consist largely of fossorial rodents (Messick and Hornocker
1981; Duquette 2008; Proulx, Chapter 7, this volume). Since the European Settlement in the
1800s, the Prairies Ecozone has become one of the most extensive agricultural regions in the world.
Its total land area is about 47 million ha, with 70% classied as cropland, 27% as rangeland, and
the remaining 3% as deciduous forest. The natural fertility and good moisture-holding capacity
of many of the soils in the Prairies Ecozone make the area extremely productive for crops. It
is now rare to nd unbroken native grasslands that show no evidence of European settlement
(Shorthouse 2010). Badgers generally avoid tilled elds (Duquette 2008) and cultivated areas
(Messick and Hornocker 1981; Proulx, Chapter 7, this volume). Habitat loss and fragmentation
is a concern for all wildlife managers (Table 1), even where the subspecies’ populations are
considered common and stable. Wildlife habitat conservation programs may signicantly benet
badgers. For example, in Illinois, areas enrolled in conservation practices funded by the “Farm
Bill” now provide the majority of habitat for badgers (R. Bluett, 2012, Illinois Department of
Natural Resources, personal communication).
Population status and trends – In half of the 15 jurisdictions where it is found, T. t. taxus is in decline
but in all cases, it is still being harvested (Table 1). In most other cases, however, populations are
stable and fur harvests are signicant. The species has special status in the Canadian Prairies,
Ohio and Indiana (Table 1). In western Canada, however, badgers may still be harvested as
furbearers or shot as pests. In these Canadian provinces and most United States, landowners or
land occupants are permitted to use any legal means to kill badgers to protect their property on
lands they own or lease. As is the case everywhere for American badger, roadkill is likely a major
mortality source.
Proulx et al. 43
Over the past decade, in the Canadian Prairies, Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus
richardsonii) population outbreaks have caused considerable damage to crops, and extensive
poisoning campaigns have been conducted across private land (Proulx 2010). Proulx and
MacKenzie (2012a) showed that in landscapes with relatively low poisoning, there were 2.2 times
more American badgers per km of road than in landscapes with high poisoning.
Research and conservation needs – A quantied estimate of total mortality is required for
American badgers at the State/Province level. The recent listing of T. t. taxus in Canada as a
“Species of Special Concern” cites “unmonitored and unregulated mortality” as a key reason
for the assessment (COSEWIC 2012). American badgers face mortality from numerous
sources but receive virtually no management effort or tracking from State/Provincial wildlife
managers.
There is a need to investigate relationships between population recruitment/survival and
resource/space use across this subspecies’ range. In their attempts to control rodent populations,
farmers use large quantities of poisons that signicantly decrease badger population densities.
Proulx and MacKenzie (2012a) recommended the development and implementation of Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) programs where monitoring, preventive cultural practices and various
control methods (mechanical, physical, biological and chemical) are strategically coordinated
to maintain rodent population densities at acceptable pest levels, therefore preventing indirect
effects of rodent control measures on badgers. Within a badger management program, an effort
should be made to educate landowners and producers about the ecological role played by badgers
in grasslands and open areas. Also, non-selective rodenticides that may kill predators through
secondary poisoning (Proulx 2011) should not be allowed in regions where badger populations
are in decline.
Taxidea taxus jacksoni
Distribution – The range of T. t. jacksoni was recently revised to include just the areas between
Lakes Huron and Michigan and the western end of Lake Erie (Ethier et al. 2012; Figure 2). In
southern Ontario, this species is at the northeastern limit of its range. In the United States, its
distribution is limited to Michigan’s lower peninsula and Ohio (Duquette 2008; Ontario American
Badger Recovery Team 2010; Ethier et al. 2012).
Habitat – Historically, T. t. jacksoni probably inhabited large tracts of tallgrass prairie and
oak savanna across its range in the northern Midwestern United States and around the Great
Lakes (Ontario American Badger Recovery Team 2010). Badgers are currently found in open
areas (abandoned gravel pits, railroad right-of-ways), and grassland and fallow elds with
soils suitable for burrowing and capable of supporting high densities of rodent populations
(Mumford and Whitaker 1982; Gremillion-Smith 1985; Berkley and Johnson 1998). Most of
the lands in southwestern Ontario where the American badger is found, are privately owned
near urban and rural areas, and dissected by transportation corridors. Because American
badgers of the subspecies jacksoni are protected in most jurisdictions where they occur, they
benet also from some habitat protection measures (e.g., Ontario American Badger Recovery
Team 2010).
Population status and trends – Badgers are legally trapped in Michigan where their population is
assumed to be stable. Badger populations are stable or increasing in jurisdictions where they are
protected (Table 1).
44 World distribution and status of badgers
Research and conservation needs – There is a need to determine population trends (i.e., declining,
increasing or stable) in jurisdictions where there is a lack of data. Habitat use, food habits and
badger survival in protected regions must be assessed, particularly where road mortality may
be a limiting factor. Because American badgers are found on private lands (Ontario American
Badger Recovery Team 2010), there is a need to develop partnership conservation programs with
landowners and increase public awareness.
Taxidea taxus berlandieri
Distribution – This subspecies occupies a large area ranging from southern Nevada, Utah and
Colorado to south-central Mexico, and from central California to eastern Oklahoma and Texas, and
southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas (Long and Killingley 1983; Fernandez et al. 2007;
COSEWIC 2012; Figure 2). In Mexico, this subspecies is rare with a highly patchy distribution
(Fernandez et al. 2007).
Habitat – In southern United States, badgers inhabit grasslands, savannas and high mountain
meadows (Lee 1977). In Mexico, badgers were reported in pine–oak forests (Fernandez et al.
2007). There is no information on the quality and quantity of habitats.
Population status and trends – In most cases, the status of populations is unknown (Table 1) but in
some states, harvest reports suggest that populations may be stable (Association of Fish & Wildlife
Agencies 2012). Unfortunately, harvest reports do not tally captures according to subspecies.
Research and conservation needs – There is limited scientic information on the subspecies
berlandieri populations and habitats. Nothing is known about American badgers in Mexico
where there is a pressing need to investigate distribution, habitats, populations and badger–human
conicts.
European badger (Meles meles)
Description – The European badger is a squat, short-legged large-size (60–100 cm long; Long
and Killingley 1983) mustelid. Body weight may vary extensively, both geographically and
seasonally. Adult badgers weigh between 6 and 16 kg in spring and summer (Long and Kilingley
Figure 3. The European badger
Meles meles
(Photo © Daniel Magnin).
Proulx et al. 45
1983; Do Linh San 2002), but individuals generally store fat in late summer and autumn, and can
double their weight (up to 34 kg) to survive long periods of winter sleep (Kowalczyk 2003; Do
Linh San 2006). The European badger possesses short front legs and long claws for digging, and
a narrow, white head with black chin and throat and 2 black stripes (Long and Killingley 1983),
an elongated and narrow snout, and an exaggerated musculature of the neck (Roper 2010; Figure
3). Although fur coloration ranges from pure white to pure black on different parts of the body,
the overall impression is of a complex silver grey (Roper 2010).
Geographical morphometric variation is known to be considerable but there has been little
consolidated examination of this variation (Long and Killingley 1983; Lynch 1994). Also, in the
past, depending on the authority consulted, a few or many (up to 24) subspecies have been described
(Ellerman and Morrison-Scott 1951; Long and Killingley 1988; Wozencraft 2005; Do Linh San
2006). On the basis of recent taxonomic and biogeographic studies (Abramov and Puzachenko
2006; Abramov et al. 2009), we retained 3 subspecies: M. m. meles (synonyms: caninus,
communis, europaeus, typicus) – Sweden, the eastern part of Norway, and southern Finland; M. m.
taxus (synonyms: alba, britannicus, caucasicus, danicus, marianensis, mediterraneus, maculata,
tauricus, vulgaris) – the British Islands, and all continental Europe, eastward to the Volga River
and the North Caucasus; and M. m. milleri in south-western Norway (Baryshnikov et al. 2003).
Distribution – The European badger is present in most of Europe (Figure 4). It occurs from
Portugal and Ireland to the River Volga in Russia (i.e., 10°–75° E), and from the Scandinavian
Figure 4. General distribution of
Meles meles
.
46 World distribution and status of badgers
countries to as far south as the North Caucasus (i.e., 68°–43° N; Bevanger and Lindström 1995;
Kranz et al. 2008; Byrne et al. 2012; Abramov and Puzachenko 2013). It is found in forested and
mountainous habitats, agricultural regions, sub-arid areas, and the suburbs and even centres of
some cities (Kruuk et al. 1979; Harris 1984; Ciampalini and Lovari 1985; Cheeseman et al. 1987;
Neal and Cheeseman 1996; Harris et al. 2010; Do Linh San et al. 2011).
European badgers occur throughout mainland Ireland (Byrne et al. 2012) and the whole of
mainland UK (Roper 2010; Figure 4). In continental Europe, they are most common on the
Atlantic coast, less common on the Mediterranean coast and absent from the Atlantic (e.g.,
Mathias et al. 1998) and Balearic Islands (Grifths and Thomas 1997). They occur throughout
most of mainland France, but are absent or uncommon around Paris, absent from parts of Orléans
and Artois and from the off-shore islands, including Corsica (Henry et al. 1989). The species is
common in mainland Portugal (Santos-Reis 1983; Santos-Reis et al. 2005; see also Rosalino et
al., Chapter 4, this volume), Spain (Grifths and Thomas 1997; Virgós and Casanovas 1999),
Luxembourg (Schley et al. 2004), Belgium (Schockert et al. 2013), Netherlands (Vink et al.
2008; Witte et al. 2008; Bekker and Dekker 2009) – partly due to a reintroduction program and
the maintenance of woodlands (Wiertz 1993), Austria and Switzerland (but not at high altitudes;
Grifths and Thomas 1997), Germany (Keuling et al. 2011), Denmark (Aaris-Sorensen 1995),
Italy (in lowlands and in the Alps; Ciampalini and Lovari 1985; Pigozzi 1991; Canova and
Rosa 1993; Remonti et al. 2006; Balestrieri et al. 2009, 2016), Poland (Goszczynski et al. 2000;
Kochan et al. 2011; Obidziński et al. 2013), Czech Republic (Bičík et al. 2000), the lowlands
of Slovakia (Paulenka 2001), Hungary (Kozák and Heltai 2006), Slovenia (Kryštufek 1993),
Latvia (Grifths and Thomas 1997), Lithuania (widespread but not abundant; Mickevicius and
Baranauskas 1992), Croatia (Bekker et al. 2012), Bulgaria (Racheva et al. 2008), Moldova
(Republic of Moldova 2013), and Bosnia-Hercegovina (Grifths and Thomas 1997). Badgers
are common and widespread in Macedonia (Kryštufek and Petkovski 1990), and are present in
southwest Albania and southeast and northeast Montenegro (Beqiraj and Dhora 2007; Rajović
2013). The species is also present in Serbia and Kosovo, but its range is unknown (Schipper et
al. 2008). It is present in Romania (Murariu 2002, 2005), but may be in decline due to poaching
(Roper 2010). No distribution data are available for Liechtenstein and Estonia, but both countries
are surrounded by countries with badgers (Grifths and Thomas 1997) (Figure 4). Badgers are
also found in Greece (D. E. Bakaloudis, 2012, Technological Educational Institute of Kavala,
personal communication) but little is known about their distribution.
The badger is rmly established in most of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Exceptions are the
central mountainous parts, the westernmost fjord districts, and the area above the Arctic Circle
(Bevanger and Lindström 1995). The species is present in southern and north-central Finland
(Kauhala 1995) and Sweden (mostly below 60° N) (Grifths and Thomas 1997) (Figure 4). It
also occurs in most parts of southwestern and central Norway as far north as nearly 68° N along
the western coast (Hysing-Dahl 1954; Bevanger and Lindström 1995; Abramov et al. 2009).
Badgers are common in western Ukraine but scarce in the southern part of the country (Dykyj
and Delehan 1999; Dykyy 2001). They are distributed throughout Belarus; although not numerous
(Kozlo 2006; Sidorovich et al. 2011), they recovered in numbers after hunting was prohibited
(Kowalczyk et al. 2000).
European badgers are distributed throughout the European part of Russia eastward to the Volga
River, near Kazan (Abramov et al. 2003) and along the right bank of Volga River to Caspian Sea
Proulx et al. 47
(Figure 4). Lineage differentiation between the European and the Asian badger at the boundary
between Europe and Asia occurred during the Holocene epoch (Gasilin and Kosintsev 2010). To
the north, the European badger range may extend up to the southern region of Kola Peninsula (67°
N) (Abramov and Khlyap 2012). The northern limit of the species distribution probably changes
with uctuating climatic conditions. To the south, the European badger is found in the North
Caucasus. However, a clear geographic border between M. meles and M. canescens (see below)
has not yet been claried (Abramov and Puzachenko 2013).
Habitat – The distribution and density of setts vary with a number of environmental and biological
variables (Hammond et al. 2001; Rosalino et al. 2005b). More setts are usually found in loam,
sandy and clay soils (Byrne et al. 2012). Although mostly lowland animals (Byrne et al. 2012),
badgers have been recorded at high altitude sites exceeding 1,000 m (Kruuk and Parish 1981;
Lucherini and Crema 1995; Balestrieri et al. 2009; Mysłajek et al., in press). Badgers are
often found in landscape mosaics of deciduous forests and permanent pastures in northwestern
Europe (Neal and Cheeseman 1996) and are widely distributed in Mediterranean agrosystems
(Gonçalves et al. 2011; Virgós et al. 2005). In central and eastern Europe, badgers are usually
forest-dwellers (Kowalczyk et al. 2000). They feed mainly on earthworms (notably Lumbricus
terrestris) in pastures and woodlands of western central and northern Europe (Kruuk et al. 1979),
but they are also occupying hedgerows (Reid et al. 2008; Sleeman et al. 2009), woodlands and
agricultural landscapes of southern Europe (Santos and Beier 2008) where they proved to be
opportunistic hunters showing local (e.g., European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus; Martín et al.
1995) or seasonal specialisms (e.g., insects and anthropic resources such as fruits: Rosalino et al.
2005a). Landscape fragmentation (Virgós 2001), habitat loss (Pertoldi et al. 2001; F. Bego, 2012,
University of Tirana, Albania, personal communication), and sett disturbance (Byrne et al. 2012)
are major concerns throughout the distribution range of the species.
Population status and trends – In most cases, the status of populations is known (Table 2).
European badgers are still being persecuted and controlled in many countries. Although illegal,
digging badgers out of their setts and badger-baiting, which consists of enclosing a badger in a
conned space and setting 1 or more dogs (Canis familiaris) onto it, occur at very local scale
(Roper 2010). In most occidental European countries, badgers are protected, but in some of them,
particularly in Ireland and United Kingdom, they may be culled as a means of reducing badger
population density and control both intraspecic and interspecic bTB transmission (Grifths and
Thomas 1997; Donnelly et al. 2006; Byrne et al. 2012). Gamekeepers sometimes snare, poison or
shoot badgers on the grounds that they destroy the eggs and chicks of game birds, despite the fact
that badger predation on game birds is insignicant (Roper 2010). In France, badger digging with
dogs is still a common hunting practice (Do Linh San 2006) and sometimes used locally to reduce
populations judged (generally arbitrarily) to have reached “unsustainable” levels. Several nature
conservation organizations have questionned the ethical grounds, and regularly strongly oppose to
the use of this ancient practice (D.-R. Blackbourn, 2014, personal communication).
Trafc mortality is also a more recent and major threat. In Netherlands, annual trafc mortality
of badgers is estimated to sum up to 25% of this species’ total population size (Di Giulio et al.
2009), although mitigation measures such as fauna tunnels and fences have decreased mortality
among Dutch badgers (Dekker and Bekker 2010). In Portugal, road casualties occur particularly
during dispersal (Grilo et al. 2009). Road trafc is also the largest single cause of deaths in badgers
in United Kingdom and other European countries such as Denmark (Aaris-Sørensen 1995; Clarke
48 World distribution and status of badgers
et al. 1998; Van Langevelde et al. 2009). In new countries resulting from the dissolution of the
former Soviet Union, access to scientic information is limited and little is known on the status
and distribution of the European badger. In regions where poverty and social policy reform are
main concerns (Slay 2009), hunting, badger control in small agricultural operations, and poaching
likely impact heavily on badger populations. European badger hairs are used for manufacturing
shaving brushes despite the species being in Appendix III of the Bern Convention and protected
by national laws in many European countries (Domingo-Roura et al. 2006).
Research and conservation needs – There is limited scientic information on European badger
populations and habitats in eastern European countries, particularly outside Russia, and at the
southeastern limit of the species range (e.g., Stumberger et al. 2008; Table 2). Also, in countries
where the European badger is believed to be common, there is a need to study population trends,
particularly if illegal shooting and pest control are occurring. With climate changes and industrial
(agriculture and forestry) or infrastructure (e.g., roads and dams) developments, more research on
the adaptability of badgers to habitat fragmentation and alteration is required. Finally, more work
is required to determine the geographic border between M. meles and M. canescens.
Southwest Asian badger (Meles canescens)
Description – The Southwest Asian badger is markedly smaller than the European badger
(Abramov and Puzachenko 2013). The facial mask resembles that of M. meles (Abramov
2003). Wide black or black-brown longitudinal stripes on either side of the head run from
the snout’s tip over eye and ear (both covered from above and below), and a pure white facial
stripe is in between the 2 black bands, covering the head’s back and partly the neck. The snout,
cheeks and the ears’ tips are white. Overall, coloration of the head is paler than that of M. meles
(Abramov and Puzachenko 2013). There are 2 subspecies: M. c. arcalus (synonym: rhodius) in
Crete and Rhodes (Marmi et al. 2006; Del Cerro et al. 2010), and M. c. canescens (synonyms:
minor, ponticus, and severzovi) elsewhere.
Distribution – The Southwest Asian badger is known from the South Caucasus (Armenia,
Georgia, and Azerbaijan) and some parts of the North Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria,
Lebanon, Israel, northern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan (Kopetdagh, Balkhany and Kugitang
Mountains), Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (western Tien-Shan Mountains and
Pamir–Alai Mountains) (Figure 5). In Syria, Southwest Asian badgers are scarce and found
mostly on the west side, along the Mediterranean coast (Masseti 2009). They are apparently
common in Turkey (Grifths and Thomas 1997; Özkurt et al. 1998; De Marinis and Masseti
2009). A few marginal records of Southwest Asian badgers have been reported in Georgia and
Azerbaijan (Abramov and Puzachenko 2006), northern Iraq and Jordan (Baker and Amr 2002),
the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt (Basuony et al. 2010), and northern Iran (Gazani 2003; Abramov
and Puzachenko 2006) where they are at the limit of their range and the rst camera-trap record
was reported in 2010 (Moqanaki et al. 2010). They are also found in the northern steppes of
Afghanistan (see Habibi 2004). As already implied above, this species is present in Crete and
Rhodes (Abramov and Puzachenko 2006) (Figure 5).
To the east of the Caspian Sea, the ranges of M. canescens and M. leucurus are separated
by arid desert regions (Kara Kum and Kyzyl Kum deserts). The contact zone between the
2 badger species in Central Asia is located in the western Tien-Shan Mountains (Abramov
and Puzachenko 2007, 2010). The Southwest Asian badger occurs in the foothills of western
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Meles meles
Albania Least Concern Endangered Common/Decreasing Illegal trapping and F. Bego, 2012, University
Red Data list hunting; habitat loss; of Tirana, Albania, personal
persecution communication; Kranz
et al. 2016
Austria Furbearer 122–365 8,200 Number of animals Common/Unknown A. Kranz, 2012, Alka
Not protected depending on killed and hunting Wildlife, Austria, personal
Federal State area communication
Belarus Threatened Unknown/Decreasing Poaching and high Hotko 1993; Kozlo 2006;
and Protected predation risk Sidorovich et al. 2011; A.
Kashtalian and A. Springer,
2012, Berezinski Biosphere
Reserve, personal
communication
Belgium Protected Common/Stable Schockert et al. 2013
Bosnia- Unknown Unknown/Unknown Griffiths and Thomas
Herzegovina 1997
Bulgaria Small game Unknown >1,000 Unknown Common/Stable Griffiths and Thomas
Not protected 1997; Racheva et al. 2008
Croatia Small game 122 426 in 1994 Unknown/Unknown Griffiths and Thomas
Not protected 1997; Bekker et al. 2012
Czech Small game 61 2,150 Number of animals Common/Increasing Temporary species Griffiths and Thomas
Republic Not protected killed, date and location protection 1997; Bičík et al. 2000;
M. Andera, 2012, National
Museum, Prague, personal
communication
Denmark Protected Unknown/Possibly Aaris-Sørensen 1995;
decreasing Schipper et al. 2008; Roper
2010; M. Elmeros, 2012,
Aarhus University,
Denmark, personal
communication
Estonia Game 181 Unknown Scarce/Unknown Griffiths and Thomas 1997
Table 2. Status of populations of the genus
Meles
.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Finland Least Concern Furbearer 273 10,000 Number of animals Common/Stable K. Kauhala, 2012, Finnish
killed Game and Fisheries
Research Institute, personal
communication
France Furbearer 160 Unknown Common/Stable S. Ruette, 2012, Office
or Increasing National de la Chasse et de
la Faune Sauvage, personal
communication
Germany Furbearer 0–365 depending 49,374 Killing location Common/Increasing Unknown O. Keuling, 2012,
on Federal State Veterinary Medicine
University of Hannover,
personal communication;
M. Stubbe and A. Stubbe,
2012, Universität Halle,
personal communication
Greece Protected Unknown/Unknown D. E. Bakaloudis, 2012,
Technological Educational
Institute of Kavala,
personal communication
Hungary Small game 153 Unknown Common/Increasing Protection program Kozák and Heltai 2006
initiated in 1974
Ireland Protected but Common/Unknown Sett disturbance and Byrne et al. 2012
culling may be Population growth persecution
allowed curtailed in some areas
Italy Protected Common/Unknown L. Remonti, 2012,
Università degli Studi di
Pavia, Italy, personal
communication
Kosovo Unknown Unknown/Unknown Schipper et al. 2008
Latvia Game 153 ~100 Number of animals Common/Stable Ozoliņš and Pilāts 1995;
killed Griffiths and Thomas 1997
Liechtenstein Small game 122 Unknown Unknown/Unknown Griffiths and Thomas 1997
Not protected
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Lithuania Least Concern Game 61 1,100–1,300 in Numbers killed through Common/Decreasing Habitat loss and sett Baranauskas 1992;
Not protected 1989–1991 hunting disturbance Mickevicius and
Baranaukas 1992; Griffiths
and Thomas 1997
Luxembourg Protected Common/Increasing Protection status Schley et al. 2004; L.
Schley, 2012, Service de la
Conservation de la Nature,
Direction des Eaux,
Luxembourg, personal
communication;
Moldova Not protected Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Schipper et al. 2008
Montenegro Small game 61 Unknown Common in the east; Beqiraj and Dhora 2007;
Not protected no data in the west/ Rajović 2013
Unknown
Netherlands Protected Common/Increasing Compensation for crop Kruindering et al. 2005;
damage, partnership Van Moll 2005; Vink et al.
programs to protect setts, 2008; White et al. 2008;
raising and translocations Bekker and Dekker 2009
of orphans, landscape
defragmentation and
decreased road mortality
due to tunnels under roads
and fencing
Norway Furbearer 304 Unknown Unknown/Unknown Roper 2010
Not protected
Poland Game 91 350–400 Unknown Unknown/Decreasing Unknown Griffiths and Thomas
Not protected 1997; Goszczynski et al.
2000; Kochan et al. 2011;
Mysłajek et al. 2012;
Obidziński et al. 2013
Portugal Red Data Common/Stable Cabral et al. 2005;
List – Santos-Reis et al. 2005;
Protected Santos and Beier 2008
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Republic of Least Concern Protected Common/Increasing Protection from hunting Kryštufek and Petkovski
Macedonia (threatened) 1990; European
Environment Agency 2010
Romania Small game 212 Unknown Unknown Unknown/Declining Unknown Murariu 2002, 2005; Roper
2010
Russia Furbearer 30–75 ~2,500 for 2001–2012 Unknown Common/Stable L. Semyaninov, 2012,
The hunting is Gamekeeper, Sebezh
prohibited or District, personal
limited in some communication; D. V.
provinces of Smirnov, 2012, Secondary
Russia. The School teacher in
species is on the Ruzaevka Village and
Red Data List of hunter, personal
some provinces communication; N.
(Bryansk Vdovin, 2012,
Province, Gamekeeper, Borovich
Saratov Association of hunters and
Province, Komi fishermen, personal
Republic) communication; S. N.
Volodin, 2012,
Gamekeeper, Game and
fishery Base “Lembolovo”,
personal communication
Serbia Unknown Unknown/Unknown Schipper et al. 2008
Slovakia Small game 365 838 in 2000 Unknown Common/Increasing Better management of Paulenka 2001
Not protected populations
Slovenia Small game 153 ~700 Unknown Unknown/Unknown Kryštufek 1993; Griffiths
Not protected and Thomas 1997
Spain Protected Common/Stable X. Pardavilla, 2012,
Universidad de Santiago
de Compostela, personal
communication
Sweden Game 260 Unknown Unknown Common/Stable Griffiths and Thomas 1997
Not protected
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Switzerland Least Concern Game 264 2,000–3,000 Number of animals Common/Stable Griffiths and Thomas
Not protected killed and hunting area or Increasing 1997; Do Linh San et al.
2011; Office Fédéral de
l’Environment 2013
Ukraine Red Data listed Common/Stable in Pesticides and Dykyj and Delehan 1999;
Western Ukraine. poaching Dykyy 2001
Scarce in southern
Ukraine/Unknown
United Protected but Common/Increasing Total protection in Newton-Cross et al. 2007;
Kingdom culling may be England since 1973 and Heydon et al. 2007;
(Wales, allowed in the countryside since T. Roper, 2012, University
Scotland, 1981. Protection of of Sussex, personal
Northern badger setts since 1991 communication
Ireland and
England)
Meles canescens
Afghanistan Not recognized Unknown Unknown Likely uncommon/ Habibi 2004; United
as a separate species Unknown due to lack Nations Environment
of monitoring because Programme 2008;
of security issues Kanderian et al. 2011
Armenia No status Unknown Common/Stable Abramov and Puzachenko
2006; I. Khorozyan, 2012,
unpublished data
Azerbaijan Unknown Unknown Common/Stable Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Crete Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
and Rhodes 2006
Georgia No status 180 Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006; B. Lortkipanidze,
2012, NACRES, Tbilisi,
Georgia, personal
communication
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Iran Not recognized No status Unknown Unknown Likely uncommon/ Roadkills, conflicts Abramov and Puzachenko
as a separete species Unknown with humans 2006; Moqanaki et al.
2010; T. Ghadirian, 2012,
Plan for the Land Society,
Tehran, Iran, personal
communication
Iraq No status Unknown Unknown Likely uncommon/ Killing by humans Abramov and Puzachenko
Unknown 2006; H. A. Raza, 2012,
Nature Iraq NGO,
Sulaymanieh, Iraq,
personal communication
Israel Protected 100–300 through Common/Stable Abramov and Puzachenko
poaching 2006; N. Leader, 2012,
Israel Nature and Parks
Authority, Jerusalem,
personal communication
Jordan Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Southern limit of Baker and Amr 2002
its range
Kyrgyzstan Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Lebanon Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Syria Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Tajikistan Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Turkey Not recognized Protected Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
as a separate species 2006; C. Bilgin, 2012,
Middle East Technical
University, Ankara, Turkey,
personal communication
Turkmenistan Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Shcherbina 1995
Uzbekistan Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Abramov and Puzachenko
2006
Meles leucurus
China Least Concern Game Unknown Unknown Widespread common Abramov and Puzachenko
Not protected in some provinces, but 2006; Abramov and
absent from others/ Wozencraft 2008; Lau et
Unknown al. 2010; Yao et al. 2013
Kazakhstan Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Afanas’ev et al. 1982
Mongolia Game 61 Unknown Common/Stable Clark and Javzansuren
Not protected 2006; Abramov and
Wozencraft 2008; Tinnin
2010
North Korea Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Abramov and Wozencraft
2008
Russia Furbearer/ 30–75 ~11,000 Common/Stable S. Borisov, 2012,
Pest, Red Data Gamekeeper, Chulym,
Listed in the Game Area, Novosibirsk
Saratov Province Association of hunters,
personal communication;
A. O. Kruglova, 2012,
Game and Fishery
Committee of Chelyabinsk
Province, personal
communication; I. B.
Tomilin, 2012, local hunter,
personal communication
Table 2. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
South Korea Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Abramov and Wozencraft
2008; Schipper et al. 2008
Meles anakuma
Japan Least Concern Game 7,000 in 1970–79; Unknown/Decreasing Continuous decline Kaneko and Sasaki 2008;
The species is 2,000 in 1980–89 in extent and/or quality Kaneko 2009; Kaneko
Red Data Listed of habitat et al. 2015
in some
prefectures
(Hyogo, Chiba,
Kagawa, Tokyo,
Oita, Okayama,
Osaka,
Yamaguchi,
Aichi, Gumma,
and Tochigi)
Table 2. Continued.
Proulx et al. 57
Figure 5. General distribution of
Meles canescens
.
Tien-Shan (Karzhantau, Ugam, Chatkal, Kuraminsky and Turkestan ridges). In the sympatric
zone, in the southeast regions of Uzbekistan, the 2 species substantially differ in their biotope
preferences. Meles canescens occupies mountain biotopes whereas M. leucurus inhabits plains
and semi-deserts (Abramov and Puzachenko 2013).
The geographic border in the North Caucasus between M. canescens and M. meles has not
yet been claried (Abramov and Puzachenko 2013). In some areas of the North Caucasus, they
occur in sympatry and individuals with mixed characters (presumably hybrids) were found
(Abramov and Puzachenko 2007).
Habitat – The Southwest Asian badger is found in arid grasslands, juniper open forests,
humid deciduous forests, and subalpine meadows. It is usually absent from deserts, semi-
deserts, high mountain peaks, densely populated agricultural lands, and human settlements (I.
Khorozyan, unpublished data; A. Malkhasyan, WWF-Armenia, unpublished camera records).
However, Werner (2012) reported frequent badger sightings in central Israel with dense
human populations, and in desert regions. Mining, deforestation, overgrazing, infrastructure
development, unsustainable agriculture and wild res destroy badger habitat.
Population status and trends – The Southwest Asian badger appears to be common throughout
most of its range, but population trends are unknown (Table 2). Habitat loss and killing by
58 World distribution and status of badgers
humans and dogs are the major threats. In Armenia, local people sometimes kill badgers for
their medicinal fat and tasty meat, especially in autumn when badgers fatten up before entering
hibernation (I. Khorozyan, personal observations).
Research and conservation needs – There is limited scientic information on Southwest Asian
badger populations and habitats. More investigations in Afghanistan and southern regions
of Iran and at the border of Israel and Jordan are necessary to establish the distribution of
this species and recognize its adaptations to various habitat types. More data are needed on
population structure and dynamics, sett characteristics and locations, food habits, individual
movements, and badger–human conicts to develop adequate conservation programs, which
should also consider the implications of a potential hybrid zone with M. meles in the Caucasus
and M. leucurus in Central Asia.
Asian badger (Meles leucurus)
Description – The fur of the Asian badgers is light grey with straw-coloured tinges. The sides
are slightly light, and the underside and legs are black (Figure 6). A narrow, blackish brown
(sometimes brown) facial stripe runs over the eye, then gets narrower and runs above the ear
(Abramov 2003). This stripe hardly reaches the back of the ear. The light yellowish white medial
stripe is narrow and short, usually not reaching the back of the head. Two subspecies have been
identied: M. l. leucurus (synonyms: altaicus, arenarius, raddei, tianschanensis, talassicus,
blanfordi, chinensis, leptorhynchus, hanensis, siningensis, tsingtauensis, sibiricus, aberrans) in
Siberia, Mongolia and China, and M. l. amurensis (synonyms: schrenkii, melanogenys) in Far
East (Primorie Territory of Russia and Korean Peninsula) (Abramov 2003).
Distribution – The Asian badger is found in Russia from the Volga River through Siberia up to
the Primorie Territory of the Russian Far East (except for the central parts of the Sikhote–Alin
Range) (Figure 7). The northwestern border of its distribution lies in the area between the
Figure 6. The Asian badger
Meles leucurus
(Photo © Nickolay Markov).
Figure 7. General distribution of
Meles leucurus
.
Proulx et al. 59
Vetluga and Vyatka rivers in the European part of Russia where it may overlap with that of
the European badger (Abramov et al. 2003), then along the left bank of the Volga River (on
the right bank of the Volga, the species occurs in Zhiguli Upland only) to the Caspian Sea.
To the north, the distribution of the Asian badger extends to 65° N in Ural (Zagainova and
Markov 2011; Abramov and Khlyap 2012). It is found as far south as the southern provinces
of China (~23° N, see map in Wozencraft 2008), and the Korean Peninsula on the eastside
(Abramov and Khlyap 2012). It is present in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (Afanas’ev et al.
1982), but it is absent in Kara Kum and Kyzyl Kum deserts of the Middle Asia. The Asian
badger is distributed across China, except in the high mountains in the west (Wozencraft 2008).
Whereas the contact zone between M. canescens and M. leucurus is located in the western Tien-
Shan Mountains (Abramov and Puzachenko 2007, 2010) (Figure 7), as we indicated earlier,
M. canescens is found mostly in the mountains, whereas M. leucurus prefers the plains and
semi-deserts (Abramov and Puzachenko 2013). The Asian badger is present in many regions
of central Mongolia including Mongol Altai, Hövsgöl, Hangai and Hentii mountain ranges.
Small numbers are also present in Eastern Mongolia, Great Lakes Depression, Valley of the
Lakes, Eastern Gobi, and Northern Gobi, although the southern distribution of the species is
unclear (Clark and Javzansuren 2006). The species is found from sea level to 2,500 m in the
Tian Shen Mountains, and to 3,205 m around Lake Qinghai (Li and Jiang 2014); it potentially
Figure 8. The Japanese badger
Meles anakuma
(Photo © Jun Sato).
60 World distribution and status of badgers
occurs higher in the Tibetan Plateau, to over 4,000 m, but this needs to be conrmed (Abramov
2016).
Habitat – The Asian badger occupies deciduous woods with clearings, or open pastureland
with small woodlots, mixed and coniferous forests stands, scrub, steppe and semi-deserts, and
suburban areas (Bannikov 1954; Dulamtseren 1970; Sokolov and Orlov 1980; Stubbe et al.
1998; Abramov and Wozencraft 2008). In China, Yao et al. (2013) found that Asian badgers
selected open broad-leaved forests dominated by Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) with
high shrub density in spring, and open forests dominated by Amur linden (Tilia amurensis) with
sparse understory in summer.
Population status and trends – Except for Russia where wildlife biologists have studied badgers
for many years (Table 2), the status of Asian populations is unknown throughout the species
range. In Mongolia, illegal and unsustainable hunting for skins is a common practice, and all
body parts are used for traditional medicines (Clark and Javzansuren 2006). Between 1958 and
1960, an estimated 1,500–1,800 individuals were removed annually (Stubbe 1965). Wingard
and Zahler (2006) consider that, in Mongolia, hunting occurs at a regional level and there is
little international trade. Numerous trade websites from China suggest that there is a growing
export market of shaving brushes made with badger hair (G. Proulx, unpublished notes). Lau
et al. (2010) consider that unsustainable exploitation of badgers in China may endanger the
species. Domestic dogs may occasionally attack and kill Asian badgers.
Research and conservation needs – There is a need to study populations in Mongolia, China, and
the Korean Peninsula. Asian badgers are likely being hunted and poached in these countries (e.g.,
Lau et al. 2010) but there are no data on capture locations, the number of animals captured, and
the population uctuations among years. Likewise, little has been published on habitats used
by Asian badgers. Yet, based on Yao et al.’s (2013) work, Asian badgers may select different
habitats seasonally. Such information is vital to develop sound conservation programs.
Figure 9. General distribution of
Meles anakuma
.
Proulx et al. 61
Japanese badger (Meles anakuma)
Description – The Japanese badger is a relatively small (up to 9 kg and 84 cm in length; Kaneko
and Sasaki 2008) light-coloured carnivore. Although brown facial stripes are well marked on
the snout, they are usually short and do not reach the ears. The median facial stripe is yellow-
straw coloured, short and ends up between the ears (Figure 8). There are conspicuous dark
“spectacles” around the eyes (Abramov 2003).
Distribution – The Japanese badger is endemic to Japan. It is common throughout Honshu,
Kyushu, and Shikoku, but is absent from Hokkaido (Kaneko 2009) (Figure 9). In addition,
there is a lack of genetic diversity between populations (Kurose et al. 2001).
Habitat – The Japanese badger is a forest dweller that forages in forest–eld ecotones and in
agricultural areas. Badgers are associated with easily diggable brown forest soils with roots and
rocks to stabilize the structure of setts, and on slopes to keep setts dry (Kaneko et al. 2006).
Population status and trends – The Japanese badger populations may be in decline (Table 2).
Figure 10. The honey badger
Mellivora capensis
(Photo © Colleen M. Begg).
62 World distribution and status of badgers
The badger’s geographic range is shrinking demonstrably in 45 of 46 prefectures (Kaneko
2009). Compared with the survey data in 1978, a 7% reduction occurred over the past 25 years
following 1978; this was especially evident in Nara and Chiba prefectures. Badgers are locally
designated as a red data list species in 11 of 46 prefectures (Kaneko 2009).
Research and conservation needs – Tanaka et al. (2002) showed a regional variation in the
distribution and use of setts by Japanese badgers. This stresses the importance of more research
on the habitats and populations of this species to develop effective conservation programs in
areas with different environmental conditions.
Honey badger (Mellivora capensis)
Description – The honey badger (7–16 kg, 75–115 cm total length) has a white forehead, a
white to black mantle, a thick and loose skin, very muscular neck and shoulders, and broad
forepaws equipped with massive claws (Kingdon 1997; Figure 10). Wozencraft (2005) reported
12 subspecies denoted by morphometrics or pelage colour. However, there is large variation in
pelage pattern within populations and in size between localities within the same geographical
areas. No DNA investigation has been completed for most subspecies and the validity of some
of them is dubious (Begg et al. 2008). These subspecies are: M. c. capensis in south and
southwestern Africa; M. c. signata in Sierra Leone; M. c. cottoni in Ghana and northeastern
Congo; M. c. leuconota in the rest of West Africa, southern Morocco, the Republic of Congo,
Gabon, and Central African Republic; M. c. maxwelli in Kenya; M. c. concisae in Sahel and
Sudan zones, as far as Somaliland; M. c. abyssinica in Ethiopia; M. c. pumilio in southern
Arabia; M. c. wilsoni in western Iran and Iraq; M. c. buechneri in the western part of the Middle
Figure 11. General distribution of
Mellivora capensis.
Proulx et al. 63
Asia northward to the Ustyurt Plateau and eastward to Amu Darya River (Baryshnikov 2000);
M. c. indica in Afghanistan – but see comments below – and northeast Iran, Pakistan and India
(Vanderhaar and Hwang 2003); and M. c. inaurita in Nepal.
Distribution – The honey badger is the only small carnivore species with large proportions
of its range both inside and outside Africa (Do Linh San et al. 2013) (Figure 11). It is found
across the greater part of Africa except for the driest centre of the Sahara and the Mediterranean
littoral, the Nile valley and the Orange Free State (Kingdon 1997; Kingdon 1997; Grubb et al.
1998; Vanderhaar and Hwang 2003; Burton et al. 2011; T. Aebischer, 2013, Institute of Ecology
and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland, personal communication; L. Bahaa-el-din,
2013, PANTHERA, WildCRU and University of KwaZulu-Natal, personal communication;
K. Boyer, 2013, Falémé Chimpanzee Conservation/Iowa State University, personal
communication; C. Burton, 2013, University of Alberta, personal communication; T. R. Engel,
2013, University of Bayreuth, personal communication; A. W. Ferguson, 2013, Texas Tech
University, personal communication; J. M. Fernández-García, 2013, The Jane Goodall Institute,
personal communication; C. Foley, 2013, Wildlife Conservation Society, Tanzania, personal
communication; E. J. Greengrass, 2013, Born Free Foundation, personal communication;
R. Hickisch, 2013, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Klagenfurt, Austria, personal
communication). It is also found through Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and
64 World distribution and status of badgers
western Asia to Turkmenistan, southwest of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan and
the Indian Peninsula (Heptner et al. 1967; Harrison and Bates 1991; Gorbunov 1995; Joolaee et
al. 2012; Qashqaei et al. 2015) (Table 3; Figure 11). Although widespread in much of India, its
distribution in the southern states is highly discontinuous (e.g., Gubbi et al. 2014) and it barely
penetrates the northeast regions of the country (Choudhury 2013). As recently highlighted by
Do Linh San et al. (2016), there are no collection records from Afghanistan (Hassinger 1973;
Habibi 2004). However, the species has been recorded on the Turkmenistan side of the cross-
border Tedzhen, Murghab and Amu Darya river valleys (Sapozhenkov et al. 1973), and it is
possible that the honey badger is present in northwestern Afghanistan, as previously suggested
by Bobrinskii et al. (1944). Contrarily to what is mentioned in Begg et al. (2008), there are
no records from Syria (Kumerloeve 1975; Masseti 2009), and Egypt (Basuony et al. 2010;
but see Hoath 2009). However, it cannot be excluded that the species is marginally present in
these countries, especially considering its well-documented occurrence in neighbouring Israel
(Shalmon 2004; Werner 2012) and Jordan (Amr 2000). In Africa, honey badgers are known to
range from sea level to as high as 2,600 m in the Moroccan High Atlas (Cuzin 2003) and 4,000
m in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia (Sillero-Zubiri 1996).
Habitat – The honey badger has a very wide habitat tolerance. It is an opportunistic, generalist
carnivore, and feeds on a range of prey items varying in size from small insect larvae to the
young of ungulates (Begg et al. 2003). In Africa, it is commonly found in open woodlands and
rainforests, grasslands, marshes, deserts and waterless desert steppes (with stunted acacias), high
mountains moorlands, rocky hills and kopjes, and coastal scrubs (Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
and Hwang 2003); it is absent only from open-dune desert (Skinner and Smithers 1990). It is
found in woodlands and shrub lands in Iran (Joolaee et al. 2012; T. Ghadirian, 2012, Plan for
the Land Society, personal communication). In Yemen, it inhabits acacia scrubs, fog deciduous
forests (tropical or subtropical, evergreen, montane, moist forests characterized by a persistent,
frequent or seasonal low-level cloud cover), and dry valleys (D. B. Stanton, 2012, Foundation
for Endangered Wildlife, personal communication). In India, it is a grassland indicator species
(Mathur et al. 2011), but it also lives in the desert and in the dry and moist deciduous zones
avoiding regions of heavy rainfall (Prater 1980), and in forests and scrublands (Choudhury
1997a). The honey badger prefers hilly broken regions where shelter is easier to nd. In the
plains, it chooses the banks of streams where burrows are easy to dig. It is also known to nd
refuge in burrows of other animals (Begg et al., Chapter 5, this volume), rock crevices, tree roots
and thick bushes (Gupta et al. 2012). Habitat threats include road construction, deforestation
for agriculture, mining (e.g., charcoal exploitation), and urbanization.
Population status and trends – The honey badger distribution, although widespread, often is
patchy (Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar and Hwang 2003) (Table 3). Also, population trends are
unknown in most jurisdictions. When not rare or uncommon, the populations appear to be in
decline because of human persecution, roadkills, and illegal trapping and poisoning (Table 3).
The species suffers serious persecution from beekeepers in Jordan (Al-Ghzawi et al. 2009)
and Israel (Shalmon 2004; Werner 2012; N. Leader, 2012, Israel Nature and Parks Authority,
Jerusalem, personal communication), and possibly also in Iran and Yemen (T. Ghadirian and
D. B. Stanton, personal communications; Joolaee et al. 2012). Raids on apiaries by honey
badgers have also been reported from Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Algeria Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Angola Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patch/Unknown and Hwang 2003;
Verissimo 2008
Benin Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
and Hwang 2003
Botswana Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Stable Von Richter and Passineau
1997; Kingdon 1997; Begg
and Begg 2005; Maude
2005; Kuhn 2012
Burkina Faso Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Burundi Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and
patchy/Unknown Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
and Hwang 2003
Cameroon Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Central African No status Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Republic patchy/Stable and Hwang 2003
Chad No status Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown J. Newby, 2012, Sahara
Not protected Conservation, personal
communication;
T. Wachner, 2012,
Zoological Society of
London, personal
communication
Congo Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Democratic Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Republic of patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Congo
Democratic Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Republic of patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Côte d’Ivoire
Table 3. Status of populations of
Mellivora capensis
.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Djibouti Least concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Equatorial Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Guinea patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Eritrea Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Ethiopia Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
patchy/Unknown and Hwang 2003
Gabon No status Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Not protected and Hwang 2003;
Mazzocchetti 2005;
Bahaa-el-din et al. 2013
Ghana Not protected Unknown Unknown Rare/Decreasing Hunting for bushmeat Ayensu et al. 1996;
and other cultural uses Kingdon 1997; Burton
et al. 2011
Guinea Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Rosevear 1974; Ziegler
et al. 2002
Guinea- Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Rosevear 1974; Vanderhaar
Bissau and Hwang 2003
India Schedule 1 Uncommon but MoEF 1972; Choudhury
Protected widespread, 1997a, 1999; Mathur et al.
particularly in 2011; Gupta et al. 2012
Rajasthan
(western India).
Very rare in
Bengal/Unknown
Iran No status Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Trapping, poaching, T. Ghadirian, 2012, Plan
Not protected poisoned baits, roadkills, for the Land Society,
dog attacks, conflicts personal communication
with beekeepers, habitat
destruction
Iraq No status Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown H. A. Raza, 2012, Nature
Not protected Iraq, personal
communication
Table 3. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Israel Least concern Species at Unknown Unknown Rare/Decreasing Conflicts with Ben-David 1990; N.
risk – Protected beekeepers Leader, 2012, Israel Nature
& Parks Authority,
personal communication;
Werner 2012
Jordan Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Qumsiyeh 1996; Amr
2000
Kazakhstan Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare, present in the Baryshnikov 2000;
southwest/Unknown Vanderhaar and Hwang
2003
Kenya Not protected Unknown Unknown Widespread but rare in Kingdon 1997; Reid et al.
many regions/Unknown 2002; Vanderhaar and
Hwang 2003; Njoroge
et al. 2009
Kuwait Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Delany 1989
Lebanon No status Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Churcher 1994; Qumsiyeh
Not protected 1996
Liberia Game Hunted Unknown Rare and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Not protected opportunistically Unknown and Hwang 2003;
throughout the year Greengrass 2013
Malawi Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Mauritania Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Verschuren 1985; Kingdon
1997
Morocco Near Threatened Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Poisons and traps Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Protected Decreasing and Hwang 2003; Begg
and Begg 2005
Mozambique Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Namibia Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003;
Kauffman et al. 2007;
Stein et al. 2008
Nepal Game Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Heinen and Yonzon 1994
Not protected
Table 3. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Niger Least Concern Endangered Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Urban development J. Newby, 2012, Sahara
Protected Conservation, personal
communication; T. Wacher,
2012, Zoological Society
of London, personal
communication
Nigeria Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Oman No Status Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Delany 1989; Spalton et al.
Not protected 1999
Pakistan Red Listed Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Decreasing Ghalib et al. 2007
Qatar Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Vanderhaar and Hwang
2003
Rwanda Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Saudi Arabia Protected Unknown Unknown Widespread but rare/ Nader 1989; Ady 1995;
since 1977 Unknown Islam et al. 2011
Senegal Not protected Unknown Unknown Patchy and rare/ Kingdon 1997; Sillero-
Unknown Zubiri and Marino 1997;
Vanderhaar and Hwang
2003
Sierra Leone Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003; Sowa
2012
Somalia Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Hunting and poaching Varty 1988; Kingdon 1997
Unknown
South Africa Schedule II and Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Rowe-Rowe 1992;
protected in the Stable, with both local Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Cape Provinces. declines and expansions and Hwang 2003; Begg
Unprotected and Begg 2005; Hayward
outside parks et al. 2007; Begg et al.,
and reserves in press.
Sudan Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Table 3. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Swaziland Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Tanzania No status Unknown Unknown Widespread and Hunting, poaching, killed Kingdon 1997; De Luca
Not protected mostly uncommon/ as retaliation for raiding and Mpunga 2005, 2013;
Unknown commercial bee hives Moyer et al. 2006;
and habitat loss Fischer et al. 2013
Turkmenistan Red Data Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Gorbunov 1995;
listed Baryshnikov 2000; Fet
2013
The Republic Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown C. R. Barlow, 2013, Birds
of Gambia of The Gambia, personal
communication
Uganda Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003; Odull
and Byaruhanga 2009;
Mugerwa et al. 2013
United Arab Data deficient Unknown Unknown Presence not confirmed Drew and Tourenq 2005
Emirates
United Republic Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
of Togo Unknown and Hwang 2003
Uzbekistan Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare, present in the Baryshnikov 2000
southwest/Unknown
Western Sahara Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Vanderhaar
Unknown and Hwang 2003
Yemen No status Unknown Unknown Widespread/ May be Trapping, roadkills, Jennings 1992; D. B.
Not protected decreasing persecution Stanton, 2012, Foundation
for Endangered Wildlife,
personal communication
Zambia Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Hunting for meat in Kingdon 1997; Purchase
Unknown areas where game et al. 2007; Bird and
species are at low Mateke 2013; White 2013
densities
Zimbabwe Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Kingdon 1997; Fritz et al.
Unknown 2003; Purchase et al. 2007
Table 3. Continued.
70 World distribution and status of badgers
Zimbabwe (Hepburn and Radloff 1998). In South Africa, a reduction in the availability of wild
beehives may explain their increased reliance on domestic beehives for honey (and concomitant
elevated persecution and risk of extirpation) (Begg 2001). Articial re regimes combined with
drought are thought to reduce the abundance of rodents in some regions, probably contributing
to increased occurrence of badger raids on domestic hives and consequently its extirpation and
perhaps local extinctions (Begg 2001). The honey badger is also valued for traditional medicine
applications. In Zambia, a mixture of the heart, tail and nose with tree roots is believed to
provide protection against stab wounds and other injuries (Begg and Begg 2005). Various body
parts are valued in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) as charms for hunting dogs (Rowe-Rowe
1992). In Tanzania, the honey badger skin is said to cure pains and mental trauma, the brains to
treat headaches, and the whole body to increase ghting abilities (De Luca and Mpunga 2013).
The honey badger has a low annual birth rate (Begg et al. 2005; Weigl 2005). This makes
it more vulnerable to overharvesting, and may inhibit population recovery after exposure to
overharvesting or to any cause of high mortality (De Luca and Mpunga 2013).
Research and conservation needs – All respondents to the questionnaire stressed the fact that
little was known on honey badger populations and habitats, and research is needed to assess
threats and develop proper conservation programs. Because honey badgers come into conict
with subsistence and commercial beekeepers throughout their range, and they are also known to
kill domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) and take food from camps (Bird and Mateke 2013), there
is a need for wildlife biologists to develop win–win solutions to minimize conicts between
humans and this species.
Figure 12. The greater hog-badger
Arctonyx collaris
(Photo © www.nickgarbutt.com).
Proulx et al. 71
Greater hog-badger (Arctonyx collaris)
Description – Arctonyx collaris is a large-size (7–14 kg, 77–87 cm total length; Boitani 1984)
hog-badger with a massive head, blackish forequarters, and white or heavily grizzled mid-back,
hindquarters and tail (Helgen et al. 2008; Figure 12). Its tail is longer and its claws are more
massive than those of other hog-badgers. There are no recognized subspecies (Osgood 1932;
Helgen et al. 2008).
Distribution – According to Helgen et al.’s (2008) review of the species, the greater
hog-badger is distributed throughout the far eastern portion of the Indian Subcontinent,
extending south throughout Indochina to peninsular Myanmar and Thailand (Figure 13).
The southernmost recorded distributional extent of A. collaris lies in the far north of the
Malay Peninsula in peninsular Thailand. The westernmost occurrence is probably dened
by the Brahmaptura and Ganges drainages in India (Helgen et al. 2008; Choudhury 2013).
The exact northern boundary may lie in Yunnan Province, southwestern China (Helgen et
al. 2008). The distribution of A. collaris overlaps with that of A. albogularis (Figure 13),
but, according to Helgen et al. (2008), the absolute, striking distinctions in size, pelage and
qualitative cranial morphology between available adult samples of these species indicate
no integration between these taxa (see Pocock 1941). Most museum records from India
and Myanmar were associated with elevations of 700–1,500 m (Helgen et al. 2008). In
Southeast Asia, A. collaris is found at 500–600 m elevations (Duckworth et al. 1999; Long
and Minh Hoang 2006). The species has been reported between 300 and 1,400 m (Helgen
et al. 2008; Chutipong et al. 2014; Gray et al. 2014a).
Habitats – The greater hog-badger is found in a variety of habitats ranging from forests
(deciduous and evergreen) to non-forested “countryside” in at least Northeast India; this
includes grassland-dominated oodplains such as Kaziranga National Park in Assam
(Choudhury 2013), In Southeast Asia, most records come from forests (Duckworth et
al. 2016d). The greater hog-badger feeds predominantly on earthworms and fruits, and
complements its diet with arthropods; mammals, birds and reptiles are consumed infrequently
(Zhou et al. 2015). The species’ distribution is patchy, and habitat fragmentation from
extensive deforestation in hill and lower montane forests is a major threat (Pattanavibool
and Dearden 2002). Zhou et al. (2015) indicated that the greater hog-badger is apparently
hibernating in winter.
Population status and trends – The status of greater hog-badger populations is poorly known
(Table 4). This species appears to be common in some areas and is present in a number of
protected areas, but very little detailed information is available throughout its occurrence
(Helgen et al. 2008). Lau et al. (2010) suggested that populations of greater hog-badgers
in south China may remain only in several well-protected natural reserves in Guangxi and
northern Guangdong. A study of hog-badgers conscated from illegal trafckers and local
hunters in the market towns of Wufeng and Yuguan in Hubei Province of China led Chen et
al. (2015) to conclude that the extensive hunting of both sexes of hog-badgers in this region
likely affected the integrity of populations. Unsustainable hunting and indiscriminate
snaring are major threats (Duckworth et al. 1999; Helgen et al. 2008; Johnson et al. 2009),
and their impacts on the persistence of hog-badger populations remain unknown.
Research and conservation needs – Little is known on greater hog-badger populations,
and further information on their distribution and habitat requirements is needed. Since
72 World distribution and status of badgers
this species may be subject to heavy exploitation, more data on reproduction and mortality
rates, and individual movements across landscapes, are required to determine the impact of
hunting on populations. Focused studies are needed to assess the conservation outlook for
A. collaris across its entire distribution (Helgen et al. 2008).
Figure 13. General distribution of
Arctonyx collaris, A. albogularis,
and
A. hoevenii
. (? – no specimens
of
Arctonyx
were observed by Helgen
et al.
[2008] in south-eastern China).
Proulx et al. 73
Northern hog-badger (Arctonyx albogularis)
Description – Slightly smaller than the greater hog-badger (Helgen et al. 2008), Arctonyx
albogularis has a naked, distinctively hog-like snout, a pale throat, and pale (rather than black)
front claws (Helgen et al. 2008; Figure 14). Recently recognized as a separate species by Helgen
et al. (2008), its validity remains to be veried using molecular data, and so far, subspecies have
not been validated.
Distribution – On the basis of museum records, Helgen et al. (2008) concluded that the
historical distribution of this species extended from the southern foothills of the Himalayas,
Assam, Manipur (on the strength of a report by Rakamantha 1994) and probably Bangladesh,
across the Himalayas to Tibet (Blyth 1853) and across the full expanse of southern and eastern
China, from Gansu, Hebei, Shanxi and Liaoning Provinces in the north to Yunnan, Guangxi and
Guangdong in the south (Allen 1938; Zhang 1997; Figure 13). Records of hog-badgers from
Nepal (Shrestha 1997) probably represented this species. The distribution of A. albogularis
extensively abuts or overlaps that of A. collaris in the eastern Indian Subcontinent (in eastern
India, and perhaps Bangladesh), where both species are recorded (Blyth 1875; Blanford 1888;
Pocock 1940, 1941; Rakamantha 1994; Helgen et al. 2008) (Figure 13). Recently published
reports of hog-badgers from the Indian states of Assam (Choudhury 1997a), Arunachal Pradesh
(Choudhury 1997b), North and possibly West Bengal (Choudhury 1999) and Nagaland
(Choudhury 2000), and from extreme northern Myanmar (Rao et al. 2005; Zaw et al. 2008)
have not been identied to species, and could represent A. albogularis, A. collaris, or both
species in co-occurrence (see Rakamantha 1994).
Helgen et al. (2008) concluded that A. albogularis is widely distributed and apparently
Figure 14. Northern hog-badger
Arctonyx albogularis.
Photo © Fang Wang.
74 World distribution and status of badgers
common in much of China, its distribution extending over most of the eastern half of the
country (Zhang 1997). Records of occurrence are from the provinces or municipalities of
Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Henan, Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Anhui, Hubei,
Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xizang (Tibet), Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, Guangxi,
Guangdong and Hong Kong (Allen 1929, 1938; Howell 1929; Pocock 1941; Zhang 1997). Its
modern or historical range in Mongolia and Myanmar is marginal and uncertain (Stubbe et al.,
1998; Helgen et al. 2008; Zaw et al. 2008; Helgen and Chan 2016). This species has not been
recorded in the Korean Peninsula and in the islands of Taiwan and Hainan (Helgen et al. 2008).
The southern limit of A. albogularis is unknown.
Habitat – Arctonyx albogularis occurs in temperate forests and grasslands of eastern Asia (the
Himalayas and China) at all elevations up to 4,300 m (Helgen et al. 2008). Shresta (1997)
stated that, in Nepal, this species inhabits forests and scrubs from 1,200 to 4,000 m. Zheng et
al. (1988) documented A. albogularis in forest-bush, farmland and wasteland, and mountain
grassland in Shaanxi Province. Wang and Fuller (2003) found A. albogularis to be relatively
common in the vicinity of rural villages and surrounding agricultural landscapes. The northern
hog-badger is an opportunistic omnivore, which lives in burrows dug along watercourses and
under boulders (Helgen et al. 2008). Arctonyx albogularis hibernates throughout the winter, at
least in northern China (Zheng et al. 1988).
Population status and trends – The status of northern hog-badger populations is unknown (Table
4). Hog-badgers are found in wildlife markets in South China, where most animals are thought
to have been bred in captivity (Lau et al. 2010).
Research and conservation needs – Very little is known on the northern hog-badger and eld
studies are needed. Further comparisons of specimens from different regions need to be carried
out to recognize possible subspecies and verify Allen’s (1938) and Pocock’s (1941) suggestions
of additional taxonomic subdivisions.
Sumatran hog-badger (Arctonyx hoevenii)
Description – Arctonyx hoevenii is the smallest of the hog-badgers (i.e., the size of a domestic
cat, Felis catus), characterized by its sparser fur and darker dorsal pelage. Recently recognized
by Helgen et al. (2008), the validity of this species needs conrmation using molecular data.
Helgen et al. (2008) did not recognize any subspecies.
Distribution – The Sumatran hog-badger occurs in the mountains and adjacent foothills of
Sumatra, which extend from north to south across the entire length of the western portion of
the island (Helgen et al. 2008; Figure 13). The elevational range of A. hoevenii extends from
perhaps as low as 700 m in foothill forests (Holden 2006) to 3,780 m on the summit of Gunung
Kerinci (Helgen et al. 2008).
Habitat – Arctonyx hoevenii inhabits primary and secondary forests (Holden 2006). It forages
for terrestrial invertebrates in mountain forests and upland meadows (Helgen et al. 2008), and
lives in burrows likely dug in soft soils (Miller 1942).
Populations – The Sumatran hog-badger is considered more common in higher montane forest
than in lower elevational foothill forests (Augeri 2005; Holden 2006). Helgen et al. (2008)
pointed out that essentially nothing is known of the social structure or reproduction of this
species (Table 4). Sumatran hog-badgers are preyed upon by large carnivores as well as hunted
by humans (see Helgen et al. 2008).
Proulx et al. 75
Research and conservation needs – Studies are needed on the habitats and populations of the
Sumatran hog-badger. More data on reproduction and mortality rates are required to determine
the impact of hunting activities on populations.
Sunda stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis)
Description – Mydaus javanensis is a relatively large (1.4–3.6 kg, 42–59 cm total length; Nowak
1991) stink-badger with a blackish body, a white crown, and a complete or partial, narrow,
dorsal white stripe extending to a relatively long tail (Long and Killingley 1983; Figure 15).
Three subspecies are recognized by Hwang and Larivière (2003): M. j. javanensis (synonym:
mediceps) in Sumatra and Java, M. j. lucifer (synonyms: luciferoides and montanus) in Borneo,
and M. j. ollula in Sinubing and Mount Ranai, Great Natuna Island, Indonesia.
Distribution – Mydaus javanensis occurs on Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo), and North
Natuna Island (Great Natuna) (Chasen 1935; van Strien 2001; Hwang and Larivière 2003;
Holden 2006; Long et al. 2008; Cheyne et al. 2010; Wilting et al. 2010; Giman and Jukie 2012;
Rode-Margono et al. 2014; Rustam and Giordano 2014) (Figure 16).
Habitats – The Sunda stink-badger appears to be omnivorous (Wilting et al. 2015b), and is
found in forests and grasslands adjacent to forested areas, and may not be affected by human
disturbance (Giman and Jukie 2012) as it has also been reported in campgrounds and urban
areas (Payne et al. 1985). It is frequently associated with montane areas, often at altitudes
higher than 2,100 m (Long and Killingley 1983; Whitten et al. 1996) although it might also
Figure 15. Sunda stink-badger
Mydaus javanensis
(Photo © Rustam).
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Arctonyx collaris
Bhutan and Vulnerable Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Negi 1992; Helgen et al.
Nepal 2008; Timmins et al. 2008;
Duckworth et al. 2016d
Cambodia
and Thailand Protected in Unknown Unknown Common/May be Hunting for use in Timmins et al. 2008;
Thailand. declining traditional medicine Holden and Neang 2009;
Unknown in A. Jennings, 2013,
Cambodia unpublished data;
Chutipong et al. 2014;
India and Unknown Unknown Unknown Locally widespread and Gray et al. 2014a;
Bangladesh common/Unknown Ramakantha 1994; Helgen
et al. 2008; Timmins et al.
2008
Laos Unknown Unknown Unknown Locally common but Trade-driven hunting, Duckworth 1997, 2014,
patchy in distribution/ snaring and trapping personal communication;
Declining Timmins et al. 2008;
Johnson et al. 2009; Gray
et al. 2014b; Duckworth
et al. 2016d
Myanmar Not protected Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Helgen et al. 2008;
Unknown Timmins et al. 2008; Zaw
et al. 2008
Southwest Not protected Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Helgen et al. 2008
China
Vietnam Not protected Unknown Unknown Common/Declining Trade-driven hunting, Long and Ming Hoang
snaring and trapping 2006; Robertson 2007;
Helgen et al. 2008;
Timmins et al. 2008
Table 4. Status of populations of
Arctonyx
spp.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Arctonyx albogularis
China, Tibet Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and patchy/ Shresta 1997; Wang and
and Nepal Unknown Xie 2004; Helgen et al.
2008; Timmins et al. 2008;
Lau et al. 2010; Helgen
and Chan 2016
Mongolia Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Stubbe et al. 1998; Helgen
(Eastern) et al. 2008; Timmins et al.
2008
East India
and Bangladesh Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Helgen et al. 2008
Arctonyx hoevenii
Sumatra Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Holden 2006; Helgen et al.
2008; Timmins et al. 2008;
J. McCarthy, 2012,
University of
Massachusetts Amherst,
personal communication;
M. Slothouwer, 2012, film
maker, personal
communication; McCarthy
and Fuller 2014; Holden
et al. 2016
Table 4. Continued.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Mydaus javanensis
Borneo (Brunei, Least Concern Not protected Unknown Unknown Rare in Sarawak; Payne et al. 1985; Long et
Sabah, Sarawak in Sarawak. common elsewhere/ al. 2008; Wilting et al.
and Kalimantan) Protected in Unknown 2010; J. Brodie, 2012,
Sabah and University of British
Indonesia Columbia, personal
communication; S.
Cheyne, 2012, Orangutan
tropical peatland project/
WildCRU, University of
Oxford, personal
communication; Giman
and Jukie 2012; Wilting
et al. 2015b
Java Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Forbes 1879
Natuna Islands Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Thomas 1922
Sumatra Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Holden 2006
Mydaus marchei
Philippines Least Concern Vulnerable Unknown Unknown Common/Stable P. Widmann, 2012, Katala
Protected in Foundation Inc., personal
several regions communication; Widmann
2016
Table 5. Status of populations of
Mydaus
spp.
Proulx et al. 79
occur in lowlands (see Giman and Jukie 2012).
Population status and trends – The status and trends of populations are unknown (Table 5).
Knowing that populations have a patchy distribution and low densities and may be affected by
hunting (Rustam and Giordano 2014), studies on population dynamics are required to properly
assess population trends.
Research and conservation needs – Studies on the species’ environmental needs and population
dynamics need to be conducted to develop effective conservation programs and reduce potential
threats.
Palawan stink-badger (Mydaus marchei)
Description – Mydaus marchei is smaller (2.5 kg, 33–51 cm total length; Nowak 1991) than
Figure 16. General distribution of
Mydaus javanensis
and
M. marchei.
80 World distribution and status of badgers
Figure 17. General distribution of
Melogale personata.
M. javanensis. It has brown to black upperparts and brown underparts, a scattering of white or
silvery hairs on the back and sometimes on the head, and a pointed face. Fur on the nape stands
erect, and the tail is “square-cut” and protrudes from a prominent naked and pale anal region
(Hwang and Larivière 2004).
Distribution – Mydaus marchei (“Pantot”, as it is called locally) is endemic to Palawan,
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
Melogale personata
Bangladeash Least Concern Not protected Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Islam et al. 2008;
Duckworth et al. 2016b
Cambodia Not protected Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Schank et al. 2009
China Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Lekagul and McNeely
(southern 1977
Yunnan)
India Unknown Unknown Unknown Common in the Choudhury 1997a, 1999,
northeast/Unknown 2000
Laos Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Duckworth et al. 1999;
Coudrat and Nanthavong
2013
Myanmar Not protected Unknown Unknown Widespread, particularly Zaw et al. 2008
in the south/Unknown
Thailand Protected Unknown Unknown Unknown/Unknown Rabinowitz and Walker
1991; Chutipong et al.
2014
Vietnam Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Unknown Thomas 1992; Robertson
2007
Melogale moschata
China Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread but Sheng 1993; Lau et al.
uncommon/Stable 2010; Duckworth et al.
2016a
Table 6. Status of populations of
Melogale
spp.
Badger Population Status Badger Harvest
Jurisdiction IUCN 2015 Jurisdiction Length of Harvest/year Data Population Reasons References
Status Status Trapping/ Collected Status/Trend for
Hunting on Hunting/ Based on Population
Season (days) Trapping This Review Change
India Least Concern Unknown Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Choudhury 1997b, 2000
Laos Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Robichaud 2010; Coudrat
and Nanthawong 2013
Myanmar Not protected Unknown Unknown Widespread, particularly Zaw et al. 2008
in the north/Unknown
Taiwan Unknown Unknown Unknown Widespread and Chen and Yu 1984; Chuang
common/Unknown and Lee 1997; Chiang et
al. 2012
Vietnam Unknown Unknown Unknown Uncommon/Unknown Long and Minh Hoang
2006; Abramov and
Rozhnov 2014
Melogale everetti
Borneo Endangered Unknown Unknown Unknown Rare/Uncommon Wong et al. 2011; S.
Cheyne, 2012, Orangutan
tropical peatland project/
WildCRU, University of
Oxford, personal
communication; Wilting et
al. 2015a
Melogale orientalis
Java and Bali Least Concern Threatened Unknown Unknown Common/Unknown Riffel 1991; Duckworth et
al. 2016c
Melogale cucphuongensis
Vietnam Data Deficient Unknown Unknown Unknown Possibly threatened/ Nadler et al. 2011; Helgen
Unknown and Long 2015
Table 6. Continued.
Proulx et al. 83
Busuanga, and Calauit (Heaney et al. 1998) but is found neither on the smaller outlying coral
islands such as Rasa and Malinau, nor on the larger land-bridge island of Dumaran (Widmann
and Widmann 2004) (Figure 16).
Habitats – The Palawan stink-badger is found in lowlands, up to at least 300 m altitude (Widmann
and Widmann 2004). It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including lowland primary and
secondary forests, shrub and grasslands, freshwater swamp forests, and even human settlements
(Widmann and Widmann 2004). The main diet consists of worms and soil arthropods.
Population status and trends – The Palawan stink-badger population appears to be stable (Table
5). The species is not usually hunted by the Tagbanua ethnic community in southern Palawan
because of its pungent smell (Lacerna and Widmann 1999). However, some locals regularly
stalk the Palawan stink-badger with dogs and remove the anal glands before consumption
(Widmann and Widmann 2004). The increase of car trafc at night may negatively affect this
species.
Research and conservation needs – Little is known about the ecology of the Palawan stink-
badger and research on population dynamics is required.
Large-toothed (Burmese) ferret-badger (Melogale personata)
Description – Melogale personata is a relatively large (up to 1.8 kg, 55–63 cm total length;
Pocock 1941) ferret-badger with a chocolate brown to grayish brown dorsal fur, a whitish
tail, orange to white underparts, and a face with black and white patches (Long and Killingley
1983). Three subspecies are recognized: M. p. personata from northeastern India to southern
Myanmar and Thailand; M. p. nipalensis in Nepal; and M. p. pierrei in Cambodia, southern
China, Laos, and Vietnam (Larivière and Jennings 2009).
Distribution – The large-toothed ferret badger is found in northeast India, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and possibly southern China (Pocock 1941;
Corbet and Hill 1992; Duckworth et al. 1999; Islam et al. 2008; Schank et al. 2009; Lau et al.
2010; Coudrat and Nanthavong 2013; Figure 17). Historical records from Myanmar suggested
that the species was found around 22° N (Zaw et al. 2008), but Datta (1999) conrmed its
presence at 27° N in adjoining India. The species was recorded from the lowlands, at sea level,
up to at least 1,520 m (Pocock 1941; Duckworth et al. 2016b).
Habitats – Melogale personata inhabits forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas (Long and
Killingley 1983; Streicher and Ulibarri 2014). In India, this species is found in the forested
foothills, slash-and-burn cultivation fallow, and plain grasslands (Choudhury 1997a, 1999;
Kakati et al. 2014).
Research and conservation needs – Very little is known about the ecology of M. personata
(Larivière and Jennings 2009). While the large-toothed ferret badger may live in sympatry with
the small-toothed ferret-badger, M. moschata (Coudrat and Nanthavong 2013), the potential
ecological niche separation between the 2 species remains unknown.
Small-toothed (Chinese) ferret-badger (Melogale moschata)
Description – Melogale moschata looks externally like M. personata, but is smaller and
both species can be separated by their teeth, which are smaller in M. moschata (Long and
Killingley 1983; Larivière and Jennings 2009). Six subspecies have been recognized (Storz and
Wozencraft 1999): M. m ferreogrisea in Hankou (north of the Han and Yangtze Rivers), Hupeh
84 World distribution and status of badgers
Sheng, China; M. m. millsi in Mokokdung, Assam, India; M. m. moschata in south China; M.
m. sorella in Fuqing, Fujian Sheng, China; M. m. subaurantiaca in Taiwan; and M. m. taxilla
in northern Vietnam.
Distribution – The small-toothed ferret-badger is found in China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam,
Laos, northern Myanmar, and northern India (Figure 18). Historical records suggested that the
Figure 18. General distribution of
M. moschata
(shaded) and
M. cucphuongensis
(•).
Proulx et al. 85
species was present mostly at northern latitudes (i.e., above 26° N; Zaw et al. 2008). However,
it was recently found at lower latitudes, i.e., 17° N (Robichaud 2010) and 12° 23’ N (Abramov
and Rozhnov 2014). Small-toothed ferret-badger specimens have been collected from sea level
up to at least 1,500 m (Pocock 1941).
Habitats – Melogale moschata lives in forests and grassy habitats (Larivière and Jennings 2009)
Figure 19. Javan ferret-badger
Melogale orientalis
(Photo © Jiri Hruska).
Figure 20. General distribution of
M. orientalis
and
M. everetti
.
86 World distribution and status of badgers
and in close proximity to humans (Wang and Fuller 2003). It is most frequently found in forests
with low canopy and small trees, which might suggest that this species prefers younger forests
to old-growth stands (Chiang et al. 2012). In northeastern Taiwan, small-toothed ferret-badgers
inhabit subtropical moist hardwood forests where they feed on earthworms and insects (Chuang
and Lee 1997). Wu (1999) found that these ferret-badgers frequented stream banks and open
valleys.
Population status and trends – The population trends and threats are unknown (Table 6).
Research and conservation needs – The ecology of the species, critical habitats, and
population dynamics need to be investigated to develop sound conservation programs
(Wang and Fuller 2003). Since the small-toothed ferret-badger may live in sympatry
with the large-toothed ferret-badger (Coudrat and Nanthavong 2013), the ecological
requirements of these 2 species need to be determined to better understand interspecic
relationships.
Javan ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis)
Description – Melogale orientalis (Figure 19) is either recognized as a separate species
(Pocock 1941; Riffel 1991; Wozencraft 2005) or as a subspecies of M. personata (see Long
and Killingley 1983; Long 1992). Due to the morphological similarities between M. orientalis
and M. personata, further research on the systematics of this genus is necessary (Long 1992),
and molecular data should be acquired to conrm the validity of this species. According to
Long (1992), there would be 2 subspecies: M. o. orientalis in eastern Java, and M. o. sundaicus
in western Java; Balinese and Central Javan material seems not to have been identied to
subspecies (Duckworth et al. 2016c).
Distribution – The Javan ferret-badger is endemic to Java and Bali, Indonesia (Riffel 1991;
Duckworth et al. 2008; Rode-Margono et al. 2014; Figure 20). The species is found at altitudes
ranging from 260 m to at least 2,230 m. Most records are from above 800 m but this may be
related to the distribution of remaining native forest where many observations are being made
(Duckworth et al. 2016c).
Habitats – Melogale orientalis is found in primary (Brickle 2007) and secondary forests (Riffel
1991). However, the species might be able to tolerate human disturbance, as it has been recorded
in plantations and near human settlements (Brickle 2007; Duckworth et al. 2016c). Although
there is insufcient evidence to determine whether populations can persist indenitely in
deforested landscapes far from extensive native vegetation, it is clear that Javan ferret-badgers
live outside native forest (Duckworth et al. 2016c).
Population status and trends – Population dynamics and trends are unknown (Table 6). Kim
(2012) reported advertisements of this species for sale on the internet in Java during 2010–2011,
and reported some trade in the markets of Jakarta. Given the restricted range of this species, and
the potential threats of both habitat loss and trade in heavily human-populated regions, further
monitoring and investigation of the trade in Java is necessary (Shepherd 2012).
Research and conservation needs – Little is known about the ecology of the Javan ferret-badger,
and research on population dynamics is required.
Bornean (Kinabalu) ferret-badger (Melogale everetti)
Description – The Bornean ferret-badger looks like the other ferret-badger species with
Proulx et al. 87
a quite variable coat colour, and a highly variable dorsal white stripe (see Wong et al.
2011).
Distribution – The Bornean ferret-badger has only been found in the northern part of Borneo
(Figure 20), in Kinabalu and Crocker Range Parks, and the adjacent districts of Penampang,
Tambunan and Tuaran in Sabah, Malaysia (Wong et al. 2011; Wilting et al. 2015a).
Habitats – All conrmed records are from evergreen hill and montane forest or adjacent
scrubland from 500 m to over 3,000 m elevation (Payne et al. 1985; Dinets 2003; Wong et al.
2011; Wilting et al. 2015a).
Population status and trends – The species is considered to be rare (Table 6). Little is known
on population trends and threats. However, domestic dogs could have a strong impact through
direct predation, competition, and/or the transmission of infectious diseases (Wong et al. 2011).
Climate change is likely to have negative effects on the habitat of the Bornean ferret badger
(Struebig et al. 2015).
Research and conservation needs – The ecological needs of the species, and factors that may
threaten the survival of its populations, must be investigated.
Vietnam ferret-badger (Melogale cucphuongensis)
Description – This species was recently described by Nadler et al. (2011) based on only 2 adult
specimens (Helgen and Long 2016). The species is smaller than other ferret-badger species. It
is dorsally dark and ventrally buff in colour, has only a few small white markings on the head
and the back of the neck, and has a very long and narrow snout (see Nadler et al. 2011). Further
investigation should be done on the validity of this species.
Distribution – The Vietnam ferret-badger was recently discovered in Cuc Phuong National
Park, in northern Vietnam (Nadler et al. 2011) (Figure 18).
Habitats – Cuc Phuong National Park lies in a limestone formation with primary forest. Some
of the smaller limestone hills in the surrounding area are covered with slightly degraded primary
forest (Nadler et al. 2011).
Population status and trends – Nothing is known on the populations of the Vietnam ferret-badger
(Table 6). The specimens came from an area that is heavily hunted, but the species’ resilience to
various threats (dogs, snares, other traps, projectiles) is unknown (Helgen and Long 2016).
Research and conservation needs – Everything needs to be learned about the distribution,
ecology and conservation status of this species.
DISCUSSION
Our review of the status and distribution of badger species shows that the state of our knowledge
varies greatly among species and jurisdictions, i.e., within and between countries. In Canada,
extensive high-quality information exists on the endangered subspecies T. t. jeffersonii where
research on habitats and populations has been conducted (e.g., Apps et al. 2002; Hoodicoff
2003; Weir et al. 2003; Kinley and Newhouse 2008; Hoodicoff et al. 2009). As a result,
comprehensive management recommendations have been developed (Jeffersonii Badger
Recovery Team 2008; Weir and Almuedo 2010). In contrast, little is known on T. t. taxus, a
“Species of Special Concern” in the Canadian Prairies where research occurred only in southern
Saskatchewan (Proulx and MacKenzie 2012a, b; Proulx, Chapter 7, this volume). Similarly,
88 World distribution and status of badgers
in the United States, more information is usually available for subspecies that are of “Greatest
Conservation Need” or of “Special Concern” (e.g., Paulson 2007; Lay 2008). Unfortunately,
subspecies’ ranges may overlap within the same state and fur harvest statistics must be cautiously
interpreted because one does not know which badgers have been trapped.
A review of the status and distribution of the European badger is a review of data
inconsistencies and gaps. While the ecology of habitats and populations is well understood
in Western Europe, particularly in Ireland, UK and Iberia, little is known on the species
populations and ecological needs in Eastern Europe. The characteristics and distribution of
populations are well investigated in Russia, but nearly overlooked in surrounding countries. In
many countries where the species is classied as game, more knowledge on population trends
would be acquired if there were an efcient system in place to monitor hunting or trapping
returns. In the light of missing data in most European countries, Grifths and Thomas’ (1997)
review of the conservation and management of the European badger still remains a valuable
source of information today.
The lack of information on Asian badger species is not the result of an incomplete review of
published documents or a lack of connection of the authors to Asian countries. These species
are very under-researched and poorly known. Publications often consist of eeting sightings
(e.g., Duckworth et al. 2008), observations on 1 specimen either captured alive (e.g., Islam et al.
2008), found dead (e.g., Nadler et al. 2011; Joolaee et al. 2012), or recorded with a camera-trap
(e.g., Moqanaki et al. 2010). Although these records are important because they indicate where
researchers should focus some of their investigations, they do not provide wildlife biologists
with an understanding of the ecology of the species. Unless such observations are followed
with a study of populations and habitats, very little will be added to our knowledge of the
species. Although syntheses exist on species (e.g., Long et al. 2008; Larivière and Jennings
2009), often these are incomplete and, in the absence of new scientic investigations, we cannot
produce complete species accounts.
Some species, such as the Southwest Asian badger and the ferret-badgers, have never been
studied in some countries. Investigations are needed to determine their precise distribution and
conservation status. As the greater hog-badger appears to be associated with little-disturbed
upland forests, more studies are required to assess the impact of habitat loss and deterioration
on the future of this species. Also, there is a pressing need to determine the taxonomic
validity, ecological requirements, and threats to survival of the newly discovered Melogale
cucphuongensis in Vietnam. The possible limited distribution of this species may be related
to specic environmental conditions that must be identied in order to develop a scientically
sound conservation program.
Asian badgers are regularly recorded in wildlife markets in South China and other Southeast
Asian countries (Lau et al. 2010; G. Veron, personal observations). Hunting and illegal trade
of these species might signicantly impact their populations (see Davies 2005). Educating the
public about the status of these species, and the potential health risk of their consumption (e.g.,
Bell et al. 2004), is urgently needed.
It is difcult to ascertain the extent of species’ distribution ranges because of recent taxonomic
and ecological ndings, or the similarity between species. The distributions of M. leucurus and
M. canescens presented in this paper are likely conservative, and these species possibly overlap
at the limits of their respective ranges. Due to the difculties in differentiating ferret-badger
Proulx et al. 89
species on the basis of external characters, the range boundaries of these species cannot be
determined with exactitude (Schank et al. 2009). There is a need to conduct eld investigations
where conclusions will be based on the examination of specimens (trapped in capture-recapture
programs, roadkilled, or harvested by locals) of known origin (and when possible, identied
using molecular markers).
According to mtDNA data (Marmi et al. 2006), M. canescens diverged from M. meles
between 2.37 and 0.45 Ma. Also, Abramov and Puzachenko (2013) showed that M. canescens,
although morphologically similar to other badger species, particularly with regards to skull
shape, differs enough from other species to receive the rank of full species. Then, one cannot
surmise that natural history data collected on European badger populations apply to Southwest
Asian badger populations. Since its entrance in the phylogenic badger tree, the Southwest Asian
badger evolved in environmental conditions that differ from species that inhabit more temperate
environmental conditions. With today’s climate change, learning about M. canescens would
likely help wildlife biologists to understand the long-term effect of warmer climates on the life
history of the genus Meles.
There is a need to develop cost-effective survey and monitoring methods for all badger species
across their entire range, and particularly in areas where their densities are low. This should
be done in parallel with the development of recovery programs based on eld studies. Cross-
border studies involving DNA (e.g., Ethier et al. 2012) and animal movement analyses should
be conducted to determine how the harvest of badgers that are common in some jurisdictions
affect the survival of badgers that are threatened or endangered in adjacent jurisdictions.
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture and urban developments are major
concerns for badger conservation. For example, in Canada, T. t. taxus may not be as numerous
now because native grasslands are scarce or fragmented (Shorthouse 2010). Critical habitats
including grasslands, pastures, open areas and open forest stands need to be identied and
included in recovery programs. There is a need to develop and implement stewardship programs
with nature conservation groups, and partnership programs with landowners, to slow down the
transformation of native prairielands and grasslands into annual crops which are of little value
to American badgers and their fossorial prey (Proulx 2014). No more road access should be
allowed in critical habitats inhabited by badger populations at risk. Similarly, off-road vehicle
use should be restricted in areas of high badger use (Adams and Kinley 2004).
Knowing that rodenticides kill American badgers through secondary poisoning (Proulx 2011;
Proulx and MacKenzie 2012a; Quinn et al. 2012), there is a need to change current agricultural
practices for more comprehensive Integrative Pest Management programs (e.g., Proulx 2014). In
southern Taiwan, Melogale moschata is believed to be common (Wang 1986), but this country has
experienced widespread deterioration of the natural habitat and intensive rodent control programs
during the past few decades that have signicantly reduced the number of native predators (Pei
and Wang 1995). Such threats can result in the extirpation of populations. In this respect, southern
China, where small carnivore populations are highly depleted, certainly represents a major
challenge for wildlife biologists working on small carnivores (Lau et al. 2010), badgers included.
There is a need to review and harmonize the ranking of badger species according to their
level of endangerment. For example, In British Columbia, COSEWIC and the B.C. Ministry of
Environment classify T. t. jeffersonii as an “Endangered Species” that is facing imminent extirpation
or extinction (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2013). In the adjacent State of Washington, the
90 World distribution and status of badgers
subspecies is rated as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (Table 1). In Oregon, south of
Washington State, it has no status. Further south, in California, it is a “Species of Special Concern”
(Table 1). IUCN (2013) rated the American badger as a species of “Least Concern”, i.e., that is not
threatened or endangered. Although COSEWIC (2012) raised concerns about the conservation
of this species, IUCN’s recent assessment still rates the American badger as a species of “Least
Concern” (Reid and Helgen 2016). This lack of coherence between ranking systems is due to the
fact that some organizations may rank animals at species and subspecies levels, while others may
evaluate species at the species level only. Also, the parameters used to rank species may vary from
one classication system to another. Unfortunately, this incoherence in the ranking of species and
subspecies leads to confusion when comes the time to develop conservation policies and prioritize
recovery programs.
This chapter stresses the fact that, although most badgers are being persecuted and many of
them are at risk, we know little on the habitats and populations of many species. Nevertheless,
wildlife biologists should initiate conservation programs to ensure the future of these species.
We should not fail to implement what we know just because “we do not know it all” (Proulx and
Santos-Reis 2012). On the basis of what we already know on the distribution of species, and their
apparent association with specic habitats, we can conservatively develop habitat management
programs and reduce population threats. Where necessary, re-introduction programs should be
considered. Harvest programs (for furbearer, game or pest species) should be closely monitored.
Finally, there is a pressing need to educate government agencies and the public about the fate of
badgers around the world.
We are clearly aware that this chapter suffers from a lack of knowledge on the distribution and
status of some badger species. We hope, however, that, by summarizing available information
and highlighting gaps of knowledge and research needs, research organizations and government
agencies will conduct inventories and scientic investigations to address these knowledge gaps
and improve our understanding of the distribution and ecological requirements of badgers
worldwide.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We express our gratitude to numerous colleagues who responded to our questionnaire and
provided valuable information on the distribution of badger species: T. Aebischer, M. Andera,
L. Bahaa-el-din, D. E. Bakaloudis, Z. Balmforth, C. R. Barlow, F. Bego, V. Bičík, C. Bilgin,
R. Bluett, G. Bogliani, S. Borisov, K. Boyer, J. Brodie, H. Brøseth, C. Burton, S. W. Buskirk,
S. Cheyne, J. Davenport, J. J. A. Dekker, D. De Luca, A. Diop, J. W. Duckworth, J. Duquette,
I. Dykyy, M. Elmeros, T. R. Engel, A. W. Ferguson, J. M. Fernández-García, C. Fischer, C.
Foley, T. Ghadirian, E. J. Greengrass, M. Heltai, R. Hickisch, J. G. C. Hopcraft, K. Jenks,
J. U. Jepsen, Y. Kaneko, A. Kashtalian, K. Kauhala, O. Keuling, D. Kotrošan, A. Kranz,
O. Kruglova, B. Kryštufek, R. P. Lanka, N. Leader, R. M. Libois, E. Lofroth, C. A. Lopez
Gonzalez, B. Lortkipanidze, P. Männil, J. McCarthy, E. Mickevicius, N. E. Mpunga, J. Newby,
V. Nistreanu, X. Pardavilla, S. Petkovski, V. Racheva, H. A. Raza, L. Remonti, T. Roper, F.
Rovero, S. Ruette, C. Sato, L. Schley, A. Seiler, I. Semyaninov, V. Sidorovich, M. Slothouwer,
D. V. Smirnov, A. Springer, D. B. Stanton, A. Strikhnin, A. Stubbe, M. Stubbe, I. B. Tomilin, S.
Tvrtković, N. N. Vdovin, E. Virgós, N. Volodin, T. Wacher, R. Weir, and P. Widmann. During
Proulx et al. 91
the development of this manuscript, we met and discussed the ecology of badger species with
many other wildlife biologists – we apologize if we omitted their names. We are also grateful
to C. M. Begg, N. Garbutt, D. Magnin, J. Hruska, N. Markov, Rustam, J. Sato, and F. Wang for
graciously providing photographs of badger species. We are grateful to J. W. Duckworth for
providing us with pre-publication versions of the 2015 IUCN Red List assessments of badger
species. We nally thank J. Sato and 2 anonymous referees for providing helpful comments on
earlier drafts of the manuscript.
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