Arctonyx collaris
hog badger

Hog badgers, Arctonyx collaris, have a wide distribution in southeast Asia. This distribution is mostly tropical. The species os found from Sikkim and northeastern China to Thailand. To the west, its range is bounded by the Indian subcontinent. Hog badgers also are found on the island of Sumatra (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

A. collaris prefers forested areas along with lowland jungles. Hog badgers have been observed to inhabitat areas up to 3,500 m in elevation, and use a wide array of habitat types throughout southeast Asia, including grasslands and agricultural areas (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

A. collaris is very similar in size and build to Meles meles, a Eurasian badger. Hog badgers are typically 550 mm to 700 mm in length, and have tails 120 mm to 170 mm long. Weight ranges from 7 to 14 kg.

Fur on the body is yellowish to grey, although the feet and belly are black. Black eye stripes run from the nose to the ears. There are also stripes that run from the mouth to the main stripe. The black stripes are contrasted by white fur on the head. As with Meles, the coloration pattern has been interpreted to be a warning to potential enemies that this creature should be left undisturbed.

A. collaris has long, pale-colored claws, a useful distinction from Meles, which has dark claws. Hog badgers also have a pig-like snout, which has a patch of naked skin at its tip.

(Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

Not much is known about the lifespan of A. collaris in the wild. However, in captivity one hog badger reached 13 years 11 months of age (Jackson, 2001; Nowak, 1999).

Not much is known about the behavior of A. collaris, but it has been said that are playful animals (Jackson, 2001). They are nocturnal/crepuscular, and spend most of the day hiding in burrows or crevices. Peaks in activity in central China occurred from 3:00 to 5:00 AM, and again in the evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (Nowak, 1999).

They are thought to resemble M. meles in general habits (Nowak, 1999). Although Eurasian badgers are social, and have intricate systems of shared dens, or setts, hog badgers are reported to be solitary (Nowak, 1999). Mothers do apparently travel with thir young, and probably maintain some home range in the area of a den, as does M. meles.

These animals were reported to hibernate from November until February or March (Nowak, 1999).

Communication patterns in A. collaris have not been documented. They likely involve scents, as well as vocalizations and some tactile communication, as in other species of mustelid.

A. collaris will eat just about anything, including worms, invertebrates, fruits, and roots. It forages for food using its sense of smell. Hog badgers use their snouts, incisors, and the canine teeth of the lower jaw to root in the ground much like a pig. Hog badgers will eat other small animals (such as small mammals) if given the opportunity. However, as with Eurasiam badgers, their favorite food appears to be earthworms. (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

A. collaris has big claws, strong jaws, thick and flexible loose skin, and a nasty disposition. All of thes attributes help hog badgers fend off predators. Their coloration pattern is though to be aposematic--a warning that they are dangerous and should be left alone (Nowak, 1999). Hog badgers are good diggers, and can dig out of sight if threatend. Like other mustelids, they can also produce secretions from their anal glands, but it is not known if this is used as a defense mechanism (Jackson, 2001).

Not much is known about roles that A. collaris plays in the ecosystem. Becuase of their dietary habits, these badgers likely play some role in regulating populations of invertebrates. They dig into the soil, so they contribute to aeration of the soil. To the extent that other small animals use abandoned burrows, they create habitat.

There is no information on how A. collaris adversely affects humans. The Eurasian badger, however, is known to carry bovine tuberculosis (Nowak, 1999). It is possible that hog bagers also carry diseases common to livestock. Eurasian badgers, which have a diet very like that of hog badgers, are also known to damage crops (Nowak, 1999), and it is likely that A. collaris is similar in that regard.

There is no information on the benefits of A. collaris for humans.

There is no information available on conservation of A. collaris. The species is not listed by CITES or by IUCN.