Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 109, January 2014, pp. 1-17. | Page 8

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A trapped Persian Common Badger (Meles meles canescens) which died from its wounds to the East of Qaffin 1 near Fraseen Area, Tulkarm Governorate, State of Palestine. Info by: Ahmad Al Qassem, Palestine Wildlife Society. 20.08.2013. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=655432797800277&set=a.646198855390338 .1073741863.199819240028304&type=3&theater The Common Badger is the only species of its genus, and it is widespread throughout Europe and Asia, Tibet, northern Burma and southern China. The Persian race Meles meles canescens occurs in Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, where it is uncommon but has been recorded in Upper Galilee, Marj Bin Amer (Jezreel Valley), upper Jordan Valley and the coastal plain (Khalaf-von Jaffa, 2013). Badgers are heavily built mustelids. Males are significantly larger than females. Adult females weigh 5-10 kilogram and adult males weigh 7-14 kg. The head and body length is 55-85 cm, the tail length is 10-20 cm, and the skull measures 115140 mm in total length. The feet are short, with heavy muscles and long claws adapted for burrowing. The tail is short and stubby. The fur is coarse and rough with little underfur. The colour is distinctive with two longitudinal black stripes beginning at the muzzle and broadening posteriorly. A median white stripe provides a contrasting pattern on the head. The back is variable in colour (from brown to buff gray), but the sides and feet are usually black (Qumsiyeh, 1996).
Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 109 – January 2014