Honey Badgers
Common Name: Honey Badger (Ratel)
Binomial Name: Mellivora capensis Identification: Stocky build. Short legs. Silver-grey upperparts including the top of the head. Black underparts and legs. Short, bushy black tail, often held erect when walking. Weight: Males +/- 12 kg (26 lbs), females +/- 12 kg (26 lbs) Gestation: 6 months Young: Litters of 1-4 Habitat: Found in most major habitats. Diet: Wide range of food items, but insects, invertebrates and rodents are the most important. Reptiles, birds, other small mammals, wild fruits and carrion are also eaten. As per its common name, will also break into beehives to eat honey and larvae. Red List Status: Least Concern |