Honey Badger Mellivora capensis

The Honey Badger, also called a Ratel, has a native range of most of sub-Saharan Africa and some of western Asia, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in most types of habitat including forest, savannah, alpine and semi-desert but is uncommon over much of its range and prone to introduced diseases from dogs and cats.

It is an omnivore but has a special liking for honey and a partnership with a bird known as the Honey Guide which leads it to bees' nests which it can rip open with its strength and sharp claws. Its thick skin and fur is resistant to bee stings but, understandably, it is persecuted by bee-keepers.

Male and female have similar colouring of black face, limbs, underside and tail with a white or light crown and back.

Honey Badgers are reputed to be amongst the most fearless of animals and amongst the cleverest of non-primates.