Badger  (Meles meles)

Badgers can damage crops and cause subsidence problems; they are therefore considered a pest in some circumstances (3). Badgers are known to carry bovine tuberculosis, and have been culled for this reason, which has sparked considerable debate and protest, and further research is required (3). Historically, badgers have been severely persecuted in a number of ways, including badger baiting (in which badgers are pitted against dogs and forced to fight to the death), digging, setting snares, shooting, and having their sett holes blocked (4). Road accidents are a major cause of mortality, and habitat loss and fragmentation are also thought to be causes for concern (3).

Badgers have an extremely high level of legal protection under the Protection of Badgers Act, 1992 (4). It is illegal to intentionally kill, persecute, or trap a badger except by applying for a license (4). Inhumane means of control are banned, and it is also illegal to damage, destroy, and obstruct setts (4).