Knowra European badger European badger The European badger (Meles meles) is a stocky, mostly nocturnal mammal native to Europe and parts of western Asia, recognized by its black-and-white face and extensive underground setts.
Mustelidae : A family of carnivorous mammals that includes badgers, otters, weasels, martens, and wolverines. The European badger is one of the larger, burrowing members of this diverse family.
Earthworm : A segmented invertebrate that lives in soil and feeds on organic matter. Earthworms are a major food source for European badgers, especially in moist conditions.
Bovine tuberculosis : A chronic infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and other mammals. In parts of Europe, badgers are studied as wildlife hosts in cattle disease management.
British badger : The population of European badgers found in Great Britain. British badgers feature prominently in research on social behavior, conservation, and bovine tuberculosis.
Meles : A genus of Eurasian badgers in the family Mustelidae. The European badger is the living species most commonly associated with this genus.
Digging : The use of limbs and claws to move soil and create or enlarge burrows. Powerful forelimbs and claws let badgers excavate setts and reach underground prey.
Wildlife management : The planned stewardship of wildlife populations and their habitats. Badger conservation and conflict policies depend on wider management choices.
Białowieża Forest : A large, ancient forest spanning the Poland–Belarus border and containing diverse wildlife. The forest provides a well-studied setting for badger ecology in a relatively intact European landscape.
Sett : A network of underground tunnels and chambers used by badgers for shelter and breeding. Setts are the extensive burrows that define much of the species’ daily life.
Territoriality : The defense or regular use of an area by an animal or social group. Badger clans mark and patrol territories that include their setts and feeding grounds.
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