Wildlifeof China
Asian Badger
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Christof Bobzin (Donkey shot) · CC BY 3.0
Meles leucurus
Basic stats
Diet
Earthworms, insects, small vertebrates, molluscs, berries, seeds and nuts
Habitat
Temperate forests, mountains, steppes, semi-deserts and tundra
Range
From the Ural-Volga region across northern and central Asia to China and eastern Russia
Litter size
1–5 cubs
Size
49.5–70cm
Weight
3.5–9kg
The Asian badger has a stocky, wedge-shaped body, short limbs and long, powerful claws adapted for digging. Its dense, coarse coat is generally silver-grey, while the white face carries a dark stripe across each eye. Colour varies geographically: animals from the Amur region are particularly dark, and mountain populations tend to be darker than those on plains. Adults measure 49.5–70cm and weigh 3.5–9kg. (Animal Diversity Web)
Its broad range extends from the Ural-Volga region through northern and central Asia to China and eastern Russia. Asian badgers occupy forests, mountains, steppes, semi-deserts and tundra, usually where soil drains well and water is nearby. They are primarily nocturnal and dig multi-entrance underground setts; some live communally, while food-poor areas may support solitary animals. Their opportunistic diet includes earthworms, insects, vertebrates, berries and nuts. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Asian Badger eat?
- Earthworms, insects, small vertebrates, molluscs, berries, seeds and nuts
- What habitat does the Asian Badger live in?
- Temperate forests, mountains, steppes, semi-deserts and tundra
- Where is the Asian Badger found?
- From the Ural-Volga region across northern and central Asia to China and eastern Russia
- What is the litter size of the Asian Badger?
- 1–5 cubs
- How big is the Asian Badger?
- 49.5–70cm
- How much does the Asian Badger weigh?
- 3.5–9kg