Greater hog badger

One of the world’s largest extant terrestrial mustelids based on body mass, possibly second only to the wolverine

Rushenb


Greater hog badger

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

One of the world’s largest extant terrestrial mustelids based on body mass, possibly second only to the wolverine

Population
50% decline over the past 15 years

Sporting a dark grey to brownish body fur contrasted by a pale yellow to white tail, the greater hog badger cuts a striking figure in its forest habitat. Its face and throat exhibit a striking white coloration, adorned with two thick dark stripes, lending it a distinctive appearance. Additionally, the greater hog badger boasts an elongated pig-like snout equipped with pointed teeth that are adept at turning over the soil in search of food.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the greater hog badger is its exceptional burrowing prowess. Utilizing its powerful claws and muscular limbs, this adept excavator delves into the ground with remarkable efficiency, creating intricate burrow systems that serve as both shelter and foraging grounds. These burrows provide protection from predators and the elements, while also serving as safe havens for raising young.

In terms of diet, the greater hog badger exhibits a diverse palate, consuming a variety of plant and animal matter found on the forest floor. Fallen fruits, roots, and tubers constitute a significant portion of its diet, providing essential nutrients and energy. In addition to plant material, the greater hog badger supplements its diet with invertebrates such as insects, worms, and snails, as well as small vertebrates including rodents and reptiles. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows the greater hog badger to adapt to changing food availability throughout the seasons.

Despite its remarkable adaptations and survival strategies, the greater hog badger faces several threats to its long-term survival. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human development encroach upon the badger’s natural habitat, reducing available resources and disrupting vital ecosystems. Furthermore, illegal hunting and poaching for its fur and body parts pose additional threats to greater hog badger populations, leading to declines in some regions.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Bangladesh
2015
Cambodia
2015
China
2015
Presence Uncertain
India
2015
Laos
2015
Malaysia
2015
Presence Uncertain: Peninsular Malaysia
Myanmar
2015
Thailand
2015
Vietnam
2015

Anything we've missed?

Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!

Suggest an edit

Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No