Hubbry Logo
Hog badgerHog badgerMain
Open search
Hog badger
Community hub
Hog badger
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Hog badger
Hog badger
Hog badger
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Hog badger
A. collaris
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Melinae
Genus: Arctonyx
Cuvier, 1825
Type species
Arctonyx collaris
Species
Distribution of the genus Arctonyx

Hog badgers are three species of mustelid in the genus Arctonyx. They represent one of the two genera in the subfamily Melinae, alongside the true badgers (genus Meles).

Taxonomy

[edit]

Arctonyx was formerly considered a monotypic genus containing one species, A. collaris, but a 2008 study found it to comprise 3 distinct species, a finding later followed by the American Society of Mammalogists.[1][2]

Species

[edit]

Three species are known:[2]

Image Scientific name Distribution
Northern hog badger (A. albogularis) South and East Asia.
Greater hog badger (A. collaris) Southeast Asia.
Sumatran hog badger (A. hoevenii) Sumatra in Indonesia.

Conservation

[edit]

The IUCN considers the greater hog badger (A. collaris), the northern hog badger (A. albogularis) and the Sumatran hog badger (A. hoevenii) as three separate species. The greater hog badger is listed as a Vulnerable species. The other two are listed as Least Concern.[3][4]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hog badger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), also known as the , is a large, stocky in the family , characterized by its elongated, pig-like snout adapted for rooting, dark grey to brownish fur, white throat and facial markings with two prominent dark stripes, and sparsely haired body. The Arctonyx comprises three , of which the greater hog badger (A. collaris) is the focus of this article. Adults typically measure 55–70 cm in head-body length, with a of 12–17 cm, and weigh 7–14 kg, with males generally larger than females. Native to South and , it is a nocturnal, species that digs burrows for shelter and foraging, primarily feeding on an omnivorous diet of roots, tubers, fruits, earthworms, , and small vertebrates. Hog badgers inhabit diverse environments, including tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, hills, and montane regions up to 3,500 m , often in areas with loose suitable for burrowing. Their geographic range spans from northeastern and eastward through , , , , and , with populations also in southern and (including ), though they are absent from and . They are solitary and territorial, active mainly at night to avoid predators, and use their strong claws and to excavate food from the or . Reproduction occurs seasonally from to , with a period of 5–9.5 months, resulting in litters of 2–4 cubs that remain dependent on the mother for several months. Despite their adaptability, hog badgers face significant threats from due to and , as well as intense poaching for , traditional medicine, and their coarse hair used in brushes, leading to population declines across their range. The species is classified as Vulnerable on the due to a suspected continuing decline of at least 30% over the past three generations, with only about 52% of their historical range currently deemed suitable habitat; in regions like , they persist at low densities in protected areas such as national parks but are considered at risk of without enhanced conservation efforts.

Taxonomy and evolution

Phylogenetic position

The genus Arctonyx was established by Frédéric Georges Cuvier in 1825, with the type species Arctonyx collaris, and is classified within the family , subfamily Melinae, alongside the Eurasian badger genus Meles. This placement reflects shared morphological and genetic characteristics, such as robust cranial structures and adaptations for lifestyles, distinguishing Melinae from other mustelid subfamilies like Lutrinae (otters) and (weasels and martens). Phylogenetic analyses, including a multigene study published in , confirm Arctonyx as a distinct lineage within Melinae, forming a to Meles with high support from both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. estimates from this analysis indicate that the divergence between Arctonyx and Meles occurred approximately 11 million years ago (95% highest posterior density interval: 9.2–12.9 million years ago) during the Middle to , likely in as part of a broader mustelid radiation. This split aligns with paleoenvironmental changes, such as the expansion of forested habitats in , facilitating the evolution of specialized forms. Fossil evidence links Arctonyx to early hog-badger-like mustelids in , with the extinct genus Arctomeles—known from Pliocene deposits in regions like northern and —exhibiting transitional traits such as elongated snouts and strong adaptations for digging. These fossils, dating to around 5–3 million years ago, suggest that ancestral Arctonyx lineages adapted to subtropical environments following the divergence, with Arctomeles representing a Holarctic precursor possibly ancestral to modern Arctonyx. In comparison to other mustelids, Arctonyx displays uniquely pig-like adaptations, including a mobile, elongated for rooting in and enlarged, flattened molars suited for processing earth and , which contrast with the more generalized digging tools of Meles or the semi-aquatic traits of otters. These features underscore Arctonyx's specialization for tropical , evolving independently from the temperate, burrow-centric habits of other badgers.

Species recognition

The genus Arctonyx was long regarded as monotypic, encompassing a single species, A. collaris, described by F. Cuvier in 1825, with various forms treated as subspecies based on limited morphological variation observed in historical specimens. This view persisted until a comprehensive systematic study in 2008, which utilized craniometric measurements, qualitative craniodental features, and pelage characteristics from museum collections to delineate three distinct species within the genus. The revision elevated former subspecies to full species status, reflecting greater taxonomic diversity than previously acknowledged. This three-species taxonomy has been adopted by the American Society of Mammalogists, as reflected in their Mammal Diversity Database updated through 2021. The recognized species are the (Arctonyx collaris), distributed in Southeast Asia from eastern through Indochina; the (A. albogularis), found in temperate regions of the , , and southern ; and the Indonesian hog badger (A. hoevenii), endemic to the of . These species were distinguished primarily through differences in body size, skull morphology, and coat texture, with A. collaris representing the largest form (up to the world's largest extant ), A. albogularis intermediate in size with a notably shaggier pelage, and A. hoevenii the smallest and darkest-coated member of the genus. Geographic overlap occurs in parts of eastern and possibly southern between A. collaris and A. albogularis, but they are diagnosable via these traits. No subspecies are currently recognized within any of the three Arctonyx species, as the 2008 analysis found insufficient evidence for further subdivision; previous designations, such as A. c. collaris, A. c. albogularis, and A. c. hoevenii, were reclassified as the nominate forms of the newly elevated species. This taxonomic framework emphasizes the role of integrative morphology in resolving cryptic diversity in Southeast Asian mustelids.

Physical description

Morphology and adaptations

The hog badger possesses a stocky, robust build with strong forelimbs and flexible skin, enabling effective burrowing and maneuvering in subterranean environments. Its elongated, pig-like is highly mobile and naked, facilitating rooting through soil and loose substrates for foraging. This snout is complemented by a distinctive pattern featuring a white face accented by two black stripes that extend from the eyes to the snout tip, providing a stark contrast against the darker body. The pelage consists of dense, coarse that varies from to gray dorsally, transitioning to on the throat and underparts, which may aid in within humid habitats. The tail is short and covered in to light yellow hairs, measuring 19–29 cm in length. Large, curved claws on the forefeet, pale in color and notably massive, are specialized for excavating soil and roots, distinguishing the hog badger from related species like the Eurasian badger. Sensory adaptations emphasize olfaction over vision, with the snout enhancing a keen sense of smell to detect buried , while small eyes and poor eyesight indicate reliance on non-visual cues in low-light conditions. Anal produce defensive secretions, though positioned subcaudally in a manner differing from other mustelids, potentially reducing their prominence compared to species like . The bold white facial markings function as aposematic coloration, signaling to predators the animal's ferocity and ability to deploy chemical defenses or aggressive responses.

Size and variation

The greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris) is a medium- to large-sized mustelid, with head-body lengths ranging from 65 to 104 cm and tail lengths of 19 to 29 cm. Weights generally fall between 7 and 14 kg, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 21.5 kg. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males larger than females, but the difference is not strongly pronounced and shows no consistent pattern in cranial or dental measurements. Intraspecific variation includes regional differences, with populations in Southeast Asia tending toward larger sizes compared to those in northeastern India.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris) is native to the and . Its range includes the region of northeastern , as well as , , , southern and (including ), , , , , and . It is absent from the and . Its elevational range extends from up to 3,500 m, primarily in forested hill and montane areas.

Habitat preferences

The greater hog badger primarily occupies tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, grasslands, and shrublands, with a preference for environments featuring loose, friable suitable for burrowing. It favors dense broadleaf and coniferous forests alongside open landscapes in . It tolerates and modified landscapes but is largely absent from intensively cultivated or urbanized areas. Its elevational niche spans from to montane zones up to 3,500 m, though it is typically found below 2,300 m in subtropical lowlands and . It thrives in moist subtropical to tropical climates with high annual rainfall (often exceeding 1,500 mm) and moderate temperatures. broadleaf closed-canopy forests dominate suitable areas. At the microhabitat scale, it frequents edges, riverine corridors, and fringes of agricultural fields, where proximity to sources aids access to and small vertebrates. It exploits dense vegetation and scrub for concealment, often in areas with soft soils along slopes or near wetlands. It avoids urban areas but persists in moderately disturbed secondary s. Habitat adaptations emphasize behavior, with strong claws enabling excavation of in the forest understory or grassy clearings for diurnal shelter and denning. In regions with pronounced dry seasons, individuals may shift toward open grasslands for alternative resources while maintaining networks in looser substrates. This flexibility aids persistence across heterogeneous landscapes, constrained by and moisture availability.

Behavior and ecology

Activity and foraging

Hog badgers exhibit primarily nocturnal activity patterns, emerging from burrows at dusk to forage and remaining concealed during the day to avoid predators and heat. However, observations in certain regions, such as parts of and , indicate more diurnal tendencies for Arctonyx collaris, with data showing no distinct peaks in activity throughout the day or night, suggesting flexibility based on local conditions. Locomotion in hog badgers is quadrupedal, characterized by a distinctive rooting that facilitates soil disturbance while moving. Their strong forelimbs and large claws enable efficient , allowing them to excavate burrows for , escape, or accessing underground resources; this capability is enhanced by their elongated, mobile snouts and robust incisors adapted for turning over leaf litter and . These adaptations support a terrestrial in forested understories, where they shuffle forward methodically to probe the ground. Foraging strategies revolve around opportunistic omnivory, with hog badgers using their sensitive snouts to root and uncover hidden food items in moist forest floors. Their diet comprises roughly 60% invertebrates, including earthworms (a staple, making up about 45% year-round) and beetles, 30% plant matter such as roots, tubers, and seasonal fruits, and 10% small vertebrates like rodents or reptiles. Seasonal variations occur, with increased fruit consumption (up to 73%) during wet or autumn periods when arthropods and earthworms are less abundant, reflecting adaptive shifts to track resource availability. Hog badgers also use latrines near food sources, with usage increasing when resources are scarce. This generalist approach ensures nutritional balance across fluctuating environments. Hog badgers face predation primarily from leopards and tigers. In response, they employ defensive displays such as hissing, erecting fur for a larger appearance, and charging with bared teeth and claws, leveraging their loose, flexible skin to wriggle free from grasps and their digging prowess to burrow rapidly for safety. These behaviors, combined with aposematic facial markings, deter many attacks effectively. Clouded leopards and dholes may also prey on them in some areas.

Reproduction and social structure

Hog badgers exhibit a predominantly solitary , with social interactions limited to brief pairings during the breeding season. They lack complex social structures, showing no evidence of or cooperative behaviors beyond and maternal care. Scent marking from anal glands occurs but does not establish extensive territories, as individuals maintain largely independent home ranges. Breeding is seasonal, occurring from to in alignment with warmer, rainy periods that facilitate foraging and mobility. The is promiscuous, with males and females coming together only briefly during female estrus; males do not form lasting pair bonds or contribute to rearing. Following mating, females undergo a period of 5 to 9.5 months, potentially involving delayed implantation, with active embryonic development lasting approximately 42 days. Litters typically consist of 2 to 4 altricial young, born in secure burrows during late spring or early summer. Young hog badgers are born blind and helpless, relying entirely on maternal care provided solely by the female, who nurses and defends the against potential threats. They are weaned at around 4 months and become independent shortly thereafter, though exact timelines vary. is reached at about 1 year of age for both sexes. In , hog badgers have a recorded lifespan of up to 14 years, while wild longevity remains undocumented.

Conservation

Status and populations

The genus Arctonyx comprises three hog badger , each with distinct conservation statuses according to the . The (Arctonyx collaris) is classified as Vulnerable, with its population undergoing ongoing decline due to pressures across its range. In contrast, the (Arctonyx albogularis, formerly referred to as A. leucoleucos in some classifications) and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii) are both assessed as Least Concern, reflecting stable overall populations. Population estimates for hog badgers remain challenging due to their elusive nature and fragmented habitats, with no reliable global figures available. For A. collaris, populations occur in fragmented subpopulations primarily in . The benefits from its broader distribution in eastern Asia, while the Sumatran hog badger is largely localized to forested regions on . Trends show regional variation, with A. albogularis populations stable within protected reserves in , where habitat protection has mitigated declines. However, A. collaris continues to experience declines in linked to . The A. hoevenii population remains stable. Monitoring efforts rely heavily on non-invasive methods like , which have provided insights into local densities. In and , camera trap surveys indicate hog badger densities ranging from 0.5 to 2 individuals per km² in suitable forested habitats, highlighting their relatively low abundance even in core ranges.

Threats and measures

Hog badgers face multiple anthropogenic threats that contribute to their population declines across their range in . Habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily driven by for and development, have significantly reduced available forested and habitats essential for and shelter. and represent another primary threat, with individuals targeted for consumption and parts used in , particularly in southern and where illegal trade has been documented through genetic analysis of confiscated specimens. Indiscriminate snares set for other and in expanding agricultural landscapes further exacerbate mortality rates, especially in human-modified areas. Among hog badger species, the (Arctonyx collaris) is particularly affected by pressures in Southeast Asian countries such as and , where hunting with dogs is widespread and contributes to its Vulnerable status on the . The (Arctonyx hoevenii), endemic to highland forests on , faces acute habitat threats from conversion to plantations, which has led to localized population reductions. Conservation efforts for hog badgers include legal protections under national wildlife laws, such as India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits hunting and trade, and similar regulations in that designate the species as protected. The species occurs in protected areas like in , where habitat preservation supports remnant populations, and various reserves in and that implement anti-poaching patrols to reduce snaring and illegal hunting. Community-based education initiatives in regions like promote awareness of laws and alternatives to consumption, aiming to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Looking ahead, ongoing habitat degradation and trends may necessitate up-listing A. collaris from Vulnerable to higher threat categories unless intensified monitoring and enforcement are prioritized; proposed habitat connectivity enhancements and targeted reintroduction in fragmented areas could bolster resilience, though trials remain in early planning stages.

References

  1. https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/hog-badger.htm
  2. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Arctonyx_collaris/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11322595/
  4. https://smallcarnivoreconservation.com/index.php/sccg/article/view/3688
  5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2008.00416.x
  6. https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2008.00416.x
  7. https://www.mammaldiversity.org
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7107037/
  9. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/70205537/45209459
  10. https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/hog-badger
  11. https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1890/ES14-00155.1
  12. http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/mammals/hog-badger.htm
  13. https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.21931
  14. https://www.animalspot.net/hog-badger.html
  15. https://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Arctonyx_collaris
  16. https://www.iucnredlist.org/
  17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332440235_Northern_Hog_Badger
  18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10135077/
  19. https://therevelator.org/species-spotlight-greater-hog-badger/
  20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X23000316
  21. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275723303_The_illegal_exploitation_of_hog_badgers_Arctonyx_collaris_in_China_genetic_evidence_exposes_regional_population_impacts
  22. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41630/45209969
  23. https://www.mammalsofindia.org/arctonyx-collaris
  24. https://www.conservationlaos.com/monitoring-wildlife-populations-in-nakai-nam-theun-national-park/
  25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337881410_Using_community_knowledge_to_identify_potential_hotspots_of_mammal_diversity_in_southeastern_Nepal
  26. https://www.fauna-flora.org/appeals/help-save-greater-hog-badgers/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.