Badger  (Meles meles)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

With its striking black and white striped head, the badger is one of our most instantly recognisable mammals. The rest of the stocky body appears grey, and the legs, throat, neck, chest and belly are black (4). The tail is a whitish colour, but can be darker (4). Males and females are generally similar in appearance, although females tend to be slightly smaller in size (4). The badger's name is said to derive from the French 'bêcheur', meaning 'digger'; the strong musculature, short legs and long claws of this species reflect its burrowing habits (5).

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