Honey Badger (Ratel)
(Mellivora Capensis)
- Height 80cm (without tail)
- Weight 12kg
- Breeding 2-4 in litter
- Gestation 6-7 months
- Longevity 15 Years
The Honey Badger is an omnivorous feeder and will prey on reptiles and smaller mammals. They have been known to eat pythons and have even mastered the art of opening the extremely tough shell of a Dung Beetle ball so they can get to the larva inside. The dustbins and rubbish bins of safari camps and lodges are also a favourite place for Honey Badgers to scavenge.
The name ‘Honey Badger’ is derived from its supposed habit of following
the Honeyguide bird to a bee’s nest where it will feed on the honeycomb
and grubs. This however has been discredited, although they are fond
of honey and are quite capable of finding and excavation it of their
own accord.
The South Africans have a saying, “so taai soos a ratel,” meaning, “as tough as a Honey Badger.” They probably have one of the strongest power to body ratio of any animal. There appears to be no natural predators for an adult honey badger, which itself is evidence of how formidable this animal is, for it weighs no more than a medium-sized dog.
The Honey Badger is backed up by a powerful jaw, knifelike front claws, and exceptionally tough and thick skin, almost 6mm thick at the neck. Its coat has been described as “hog-like,” coarse and sparse, dark in colour, with a skunk-like, grey stripe from the forehead to the tail. It is broad and powerful, with stout, sturdy legs, and aided by exceptionally loose skin, the Ratel may twist its agile body about to grab its assailant.
According to African folklore (and backed up by some circumstantial evidence), the Honey Badger goes for the scrotum when it attacks large animals (Bull Buffalo, Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Kudu, Man) that have offered real or imagined provocation. In the Kruger Park, adult male Buffalo and Waterbuck have been found dead from loss of blood after Honey Badgers attacked them in the scrotum. Their aggression isn’t only taken out on mammals; there are many stories of Honey Badgers attacking moving Land Rovers and ripping off tyres.
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