<p>Island colonization can drive anatomical adaptations in mammals, yet few studies have examined how such changes occur in limb musculature and osteology. Here, we investigate the brachial and antebrachial anatomy of <i>Meles</i> badgers to understand functional adaptations associated with insular environments. We conducted detailed myological dissections of the Japanese badger (<i>Meles anakuma</i>) and its continental relative (<i>M. leucurus</i>) and compared osteological features with another continental-insular pair: <i>M. meles</i> from mainland Europe and <i>M. canescens</i> from Crete. Our results reveal several previously undescribed features, including m. tensor fasciae antebrachii situated superficially to m. triceps brachii caput mediale, no bony insertion observed for m. flexor digitorum superficialis, and a distal shift in the main belly of m. coracobrachialis, indicating potential taxon-specific patterns. While humerus length did not differ considerably between <i>M. anakuma</i> and <i>M. leucurus</i>, insular populations of both <i>M. anakuma</i> and <i>M. canescens</i> exhibit shared osteological traits, such as a smaller projection of the humeral trochlea and enlargement of the cranial aspect of the ulnar olecranon, which likely enhance forelimb mobility rather than maximize digging force. These results may indicate that insular <i>Meles</i> have evolved increased elbow joint flexibility, potentially as an adaptation for locomotor versatility in more structurally complex or variable island habitats. Our findings establish <i>Meles</i> as a valuable model for studying evolutionary responses to island environments in semifossorial mesocarnivores.</p>