Fauna
Mammal

Sunda Stink-badger

Mydaus javanensis

Also known as Teledu, Javan Stink Badger, Malay Stink Badger, Indonesian Stink Badger

Sunda stink-badgers are compact, nocturnal burrowers renowned for their potent chemical defense, which they deploy by squirting nauseating anal secretions up to a meter when alarmed. Equipped with powerful foreclaws and an elongated pig-like snout, they spend their nights rooting through moist soil and leaf litter in search of subterranean invertebrates. Primarily solitary, individuals shelter by day in deep self-excavated burrows or adapted crevices across highland montane forests and agricultural foothills.

NocturnalBurrowingForest Dweller
Sunda Stink-badger reference1 / 2
(c) Harsha Jayaramaiah, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyEarthworms, Beetle grubs, Insect larvae
Predators
  • Javan leopard
  • Dhole
  • Large pythons
ThreatsHabitat conversion for agriculture, road collisions, and retaliatory culling by farmers
HabitatsMontane rainforests, secondary growth, plantations, and montane grasslands
Life span5–10 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyMephitidae
  2. SpeciesMydaus javanensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Ejects a foul-smelling anal spray and may bite if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Night Spotting: Look for low-slung, plodding shapes foraging along forest roads and trails after dusk.
  • Maintain Space: Back away if an individual raises its rump or turns its back, as spraying is imminent.
  • Follow Earthworks: Check freshly turned patches of rich mountain topsoil where snout marks indicate rooting.
Related species
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