Sul Ross State University

Characteristics of an American Badger Population
on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Texas

by Daniel P. Collins III and Louis A. Harveson 

Little information exists on American badgers (Taxidea taxus) in their southern distribution.

We investigated the ecology of a badger population on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area located in southern Texas from February to November 2002. Our objectives were to gather baseline data on the ecology of badgers including population characteristics, home range, habitat use, movement patterns, microhabitat selection and food habits.

Trapping efforts resulted in the capture of five individuals (4 M, 1 F) with a mean weight of 6.1 ± 0.59 kg.

Home ranges and mean daily movements for three male badgers averaged 7.0 ± 3.45 km² and 758 m, respectively. Badgers did not use habitats in proportion to availability and showed a preference towards the mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) savannah-thorn woodland. Badgers selected burrow sites dominated by a mesquite-bufflegrass (Pennistum ciliare) association.

Badgers in southern Texas consume a variety of vegetative material and small mammals, suggesting they are more opportunistic than their northern counterparts.

Although samples sizes were small, this study provides insight into the ecology of badgers in southern Texas.

Funding provided by Sul Ross State University.