Eurasian Badger
VU

Eurasian Badger

Meles meles

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_badger

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Eurasian Badger faces mounting pressure from habitat fragmentation as agricultural intensification and urban development fragment their woodland territories across Europe and Asia. Road mortality represents a significant threat, with thousands killed annually by vehicle strikes while crossing roads that bisect their traditional foraging routes. Persecution through illegal badger baiting and culling programs, particularly in the UK where they are controversially targeted as potential bovine tuberculosis vectors, continues to impact local populations despite legal protections.

Threat summary

Habitat

Eurasian Badgers inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, scrubland, and agricultural landscapes with suitable soil for digging extensive sett systems. They prefer areas with a mosaic of woodland for shelter and adjacent grasslands or farmland for foraging, typically avoiding dense coniferous forests and urban centers.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Eurasian Badger classified as Vulnerable?
Eurasian Badger is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Eurasian Badger faces mounting pressure from habitat fragmentation as agricultural intensification and urban development fragment their woodland territories across Europe and Asia. Road mortality represents a significant threat, with thousands killed annually by vehicle strikes while crossing roads that bisect their traditional foraging routes. Persecution through illegal badger baiting and culling programs, particularly in the UK where they are controversially targeted as potential bovine tuberculosis vectors, continues to impact local populations despite legal protections.
Where does Eurasian Badger live?
Eurasian Badger occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Eurasian Badger?
The main threats to Eurasian Badger are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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