Knowra American badger American badger The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a stocky North American mustelid with powerful forelimbs and long claws adapted for digging. It hunts mainly underground prey and inhabits open landscapes across much of western and central North America.
Fossoriality : Fossoriality is adaptation to digging or living primarily underground. The badger’s powerful digging adaptations are a distinctive example of this way of life.
Ecosystem engineering : Ecosystem engineering is the alteration of habitats by organisms through their physical activities. Badger digging changes soil and creates burrows that other species may later use.
Mustelidae : Mustelidae is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes weasels, otters, martens, and badgers. The American badger is a member of this diverse family of mostly elongated, active predators.
Taxidea taxus jeffersonii : Taxidea taxus jeffersonii is a traditionally recognized subspecies of American badger from the northwestern part of its range. This named form illustrates geographic variation within the species.
Badger locomotion : Badger locomotion is movement by short-legged mammals adapted for digging and burrowing. Its low, muscular body and forelimbs help it move through soil and pursue prey underground.
Grassland : Grassland is an ecosystem dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants, with few trees. Open grasslands provide characteristic habitat and abundant burrowing prey.
European badger : The European badger (Meles meles) is a social, burrowing mustelid native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a familiar badger relative, but differs in genus, social habits, and geographic range.
Taxidea taxus jacksoni : Taxidea taxus jacksoni is a traditionally recognized subspecies of American badger from the Great Lakes region. Its regional name reflects the species’ historically divided subspecies classifications.
Badger burrow : A badger burrow is an underground tunnel and den excavated by a badger. The American badger digs dens for shelter and excavates tunnels while hunting burrowing animals.
Prairie dog : Prairie dogs are social, burrowing rodents native to North American grasslands. Badgers prey on prairie dogs and may hunt near their colonies.
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