Hog badgers are stocky mustelids in the genus Arctonyx, the same broad family as badgers, otters, weasels, and martens. In Southeast Asia, the name often refers to the greater hog badger, Arctonyx collaris.
Their most distinctive feature is the pale, pig-like snout that gives them their name. They also have a powerful body, long claws for digging, a white throat, and dark stripes running along the head and face.
Hog badgers are mostly ground-dwelling animals that search through leaf litter, soil, and roots for food. Their diet can include earthworms, insects, roots, tubers, fruit, eggs, small animals, and carrion, making them flexible omnivores.
They are usually active at night or in the dimmer hours of the day. Strong legs and claws allow them to dig for food and shelter, and they may use burrows or dense cover when resting.
The greater hog badger is considered Vulnerable, largely because of hunting and habitat loss in parts of its range. Forests, grasslands, and scrubby areas with enough cover and food are all important for its survival.