They include the species in the genera Arctonyx, Meles, Mellivora, Melogale and Taxidea. Their lower jaws are articulated to the upper by means of transverse condyles firmly locked into long cavities of the skull, so complete dislocation of the jaw is all but impossible. This enables the badgers to maintain their hold with the utmost tenacity, but limits jaw movement to hinging open and shut, or sliding from side to side without the twisting movement possible for the jaws of most mammals.
Badgers have rather short, wide bodies, with short legs for digging. They have elongated, weasel-like heads with small ears. Their tails vary in length depending on species; the stink badger has a very short tail, while the ferret badger’s tail can be 46–51 cm (18–20 in) long, depending on age. They have black faces with distinctive white markings, grey bodies with a light-coloured stripe from head to tail, and dark legs with light-coloured underbellies. They grow to around 90 cm (35 in) in length including tail.
The European badger is one of the largest; the American badger, the hog badger, and the honey badger are generally a little smaller and lighter. The stink badgers are smaller still, and the ferret badgers are the smallest of all. They weigh around 9–11 kg (20–24 lb), with some Eurasian badgers weighing around 18 kg (40 lb).
Technical Details
Issue Date: 16.06.2017
Designer: Ģirts Grīva
Printer: Baltijas Banknote, Latvija
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