Arctonyx
Hog badgers are three species within the genus Arctonyx, a group of mustelids belonging to the subfamily Melinae, which also includes true badgers. These distinct species were identified through a 2008 study, expanding the genus from a single species to three: the greater hog badger, the northern hog badger, and the Sumatran hog badger.
Key Facts
- ›Hog badgers are mustelids belonging to the genus Arctonyx.
- ›The genus Arctonyx is part of the subfamily Melinae, alongside true badgers.
- ›Previously considered a single species, Arctonyx was recognized as containing three distinct species in 2008.
- ›The three recognized species are the greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), the northern hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis), and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii).
- ›The greater hog badger is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
- ›The northern and Sumatran hog badgers are both listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Hog Badger
About Arctonyx
Hog Badgers (Arctonyx)
Hog badgers are a group of three distinct species belonging to the genus Arctonyx. They are members of the mustelid family and are part of the subfamily Melinae, which also encompasses the true badgers of the genus Meles. Historically, the genus Arctonyx was considered to contain only a single species, A. collaris. However, a significant taxonomic revision in 2008 led to the recognition of three separate species within the genus.
Species and Conservation
The three recognized species of hog badger are the greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), the northern hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis), and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii). The conservation status of these species varies. The greater hog badger is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a heightened risk of extinction in the wild. In contrast, both the northern hog badger and the Sumatran hog badger are listed as Least Concern, suggesting that their populations are currently stable and widespread.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species of hog badger are there?
There are three recognized species of hog badger within the genus Arctonyx. These were identified as distinct species in a 2008 study.
What is the scientific classification of hog badgers?
Hog badgers belong to the genus Arctonyx, which is part of the mustelid family and the subfamily Melinae. This subfamily also includes the true badgers of the genus Meles.
What are the different species of hog badger?
The three species of hog badger are the greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), the northern hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis), and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii).
What is the conservation status of the greater hog badger?
The greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris) is listed as a Vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
What are the conservation statuses of the northern and Sumatran hog badgers?
Both the northern hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis) and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii) are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Related Mustelids, Otters & Raccoons
Enhydra
Enhydra is a genus of mustelids that includes the modern sea otter and two extinct species. It represents the sole living genus within the bunodont otters, characterized by non-blade carnassials with rounded cusps. The genus is believed to have originated in the Atlantic, with its lineage later becoming established in the North Pacific.
Galictis
The grison, genus Galictis, is a mustelid native to Central and South America. These animals are characterized by their frosted gray fur along the back, contrasted by black legs, throat, face, and belly, and a distinctive white stripe from the forehead to the back of the neck. They inhabit a variety of semi-open and forested environments and are generally terrestrial, often burrowing underground.
Gulo
Gulo is a genus of carnivorous mammals within the Mustelidae family, known for its extinct and one extant species, the wolverine. Fossil records indicate its origin in North America, with subsequent migration to Eurasia during the Pliocene epoch. The genus is characterized by specific dental adaptations, particularly a robust P4 with three roots, suited for a hypercarnivorous diet.