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Meles meles
Common name
Rate
Scientific name
Meles meles
Type
Mammal

Description

The Badger is a carnivorous mammal in the family Mustelidae, also known as the common badger or European badger to distinguish it from other species, such as the American badger or honey badger. This species is distributed mainly in much of Europe, some parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. The badger is protected by law in many areas because of its ecological importance.
With a length that can reach about one meter and a weight of about 10-15 kg, the badger is one of the largest mustelids. Its body is sturdy and stocky, with short, strong legs equipped with large claws that are ideal for digging. One of the badger's most distinctive features is the black mask that surrounds the eyes and extends over the cheeks, on an otherwise white face, making it easily recognizable.
The badger is primarily a nocturnal and peaceful animal, spending the day sleeping in burrows that it digs with great skill in the ground. These burrows, which are often found in woodlands or countryside, can be used by multiple individuals and are sometimes shared with other species. Although a generally shy and solitary animal, the badger can become a fearsome adversary if disturbed, showing surprising tenacity in defending itself.

Scientific Classification

Domain
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Mustelidae
Genus
Meles
Species
meles (Linnaeus, 1758)
Subspecies
meles (sottospecie nominale)
Scientific name
Meles meles

Preserved specimen

Taxidermied specimen on artificial rigid support; good state of preservation. It is preserved in the museum's middle valley diorama.

Cataloging

SIRBeC
7s060-00141

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In the Zoology Collection.

  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00005
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00155
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00148
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00147
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00146
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00145
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00144
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00143
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00142
  • Zoology
  • MVSZ-00141

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Association “Storia Natura e Vita”
Piazza Camozzi, 2
22010 Grandola ed Uniti (CO) –
Italy

VAT ID: IT 03290790132
Tax ID: 93007310134

[email protected]

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