TaxonHub

European badger

Meles meles

A robust, medium-sized carnivorous mammal native to Europe, characterized by distinctive black and white facial markings and nocturnal behavior.

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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Diverse environments including woodland edges, forests, grasslands, agricultural landscapes, and suburban areas across Europe and parts of western Asia

Ecological Role

Key ecosystem engineer, controlling invertebrate populations, seed dispersal, and maintaining soil ecosystem balance through burrowing activities

Morphology

SKIN COAT Dense, coarse grey-white fur, thick underfur providing excellent thermal insulation
LIMBS WINGS Short, muscular limbs with strong, non-retractable claws adapted for digging complex underground sett systems
HEAD SENSORY Triangular head, prominent black and white striped facial pattern, acute hearing and olfactory senses
BODY STRUCTURE Stocky body, typically 70-100 cm in length, weighing 10-12 kg, with a low-slung build and short, powerful legs

Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK

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