Sunda stink badger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunda stink badger |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mydaus
|
| Species: |
javanensis
|
 |
|
| Sunda stink badger range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Mydaus meliceps |
|
The Sunda stink badger (Mydaus javanensis) is a small mammal found in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. It is also known by names like the Javan stink badger or teledu. Even though its name includes "badger," it is actually more closely related to skunks. Just like skunks, it can spray a very smelly liquid to protect itself.
What They Look Like
Sunda stink badgers look a bit like true badgers but are much smaller. They are about 37 to 52 centimeters (15 to 20 inches) long. They usually weigh between 1.3 and 3.6 kilograms (2.9 to 7.9 pounds).
Their fur is rough and mostly black or very dark brown. They have a white stripe that runs from their head all the way to their tail. This stripe can be wide or narrow, and sometimes it is broken up. Their short tail is about 3.6 centimeters (1.4 inches) long and covered in white fur.
As their name suggests, stink badgers have special glands near their bottom. These glands can spray a very foul-smelling liquid up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) away. Female stink badgers have six teats.
Where They Live
Sunda stink badgers are named after the Sunda Islands. They live on islands like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the northern Natuna Islands.
These badgers can be found in many different places. They live in areas near forests or in places where forests are growing back. People used to think they only lived in high mountains, above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). However, we now know they also live in much lower areas. They have been seen as low as 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level in some places.
There are three main types, or subspecies, of Sunda stink badgers:
- M. j. javanensis: Found on Java and Sumatra.
- M. j. lucifer: Found on Borneo.
- M. j. ollula: Found on the northern Natuna Islands.
How They Live
The Sunda stink badger is an omnivorous animal, meaning it eats both plants and animals. It is also nocturnal, which means it is active mostly at night.
At night, it uses its snout and claws to dig through soft soil. It searches for worms and insects that live in the ground. It also eats eggs and dead animals. During the day, the Sunda stink badger sleeps in short burrows. These burrows are less than 60 centimeters (24 inches) long. They either dig these burrows themselves or use burrows made by other animals.
Female stink badgers usually give birth to two or three young at a time.
