Javan ferret badger

mammal species

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Javan ferret badger (Meles orientalis) is one of four species of ferret badgers, also known as tree badgers or pahmi. These mammals are native to southeastern Asia, inhabiting grasslands and forests. They resemble weasels and are characterized by their heavy bodies.12

Javan ferret badgers primarily consume insects, worms, small birds, rodents, and wild fruits. They are typically brownish to blackish-gray in color, often with white markings on their face, throat, and sometimes their back. Compared to other badger species like the American or European badger, ferret badgers are smaller, averaging between 33–43 cm in body length, with a tail of 12–23 cm.1

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everetti), and Javan (M. orientalis). They live in grasslands and forests from northeast India to central China and Southeast Asia where they consume mostly insects, worms, small birds, rodents, and wild fruits. They are brownish to blackish gray, with white markings on the face, throat, and sometimes…
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everetti), and Javan (M. orientalis). They live in grasslands and forests from northeast India to central China and Southeast Asia where they consume mostly insects, worms, small birds, rodents, and wild fruits. They are brownish to blackish gray, with white markings on the face, throat, and sometimes…
Read More