The Japanese Badger, Meles anakuma, is a carnivorous species of the Mustelidae family. They are unique to Japan and found on woodland and forest habitats of Hunshi, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Shodoshima. The Japanese badger is smaller than their European counterparts; their front feet have powerful digging claws, and the face has characteristic black-white stripes. They are solitary, as they do not form social clans, and they are nocturnal animals that hibernate during the coldest months of the year. Like other badgers, the Japanese badger has an omnivorous diet that includes earthworms, beetles, berries, and persimmons.
The Japanese Badger has a body length in the range of 27.6”-32.7” (70-83 cm) and total weight of 8.4-24.3 lb (3.8-11 kg). Japanese Badgers have a shoulder height between 12.6”-15” (32-38 cm), body width of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm), and tail length of 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Japanese Badger is between 10-20 years.
The Japanese Badger, Meles anakuma, is a carnivorous species of the Mustelidae family. They are unique to Japan and found on woodland and forest habitats of Hunshi, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Shodoshima. The Japanese badger is smaller than their European counterparts; their front feet have powerful digging claws, and the face has characteristic black-white stripes. They are solitary, as they do not form social clans, and they are nocturnal animals that hibernate during the coldest months of the year. Like other badgers, the Japanese badger has an omnivorous diet that includes earthworms, beetles, berries, and persimmons.
The Japanese Badger has a body length in the range of 27.6”-32.7” (70-83 cm) and total weight of 8.4-24.3 lb (3.8-11 kg). Japanese Badgers have a shoulder height between 12.6”-15” (32-38 cm), body width of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm), and tail length of 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Japanese Badger is between 10-20 years.
