The honey badger (Mellivora capensis), also known as the ratel (/ˈreɪtəl/ or /ˈrɑːtəl/), is a species of mustelid native to Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. Despite its name, the honey badger does not closely resemble other badger species; instead, it bears more anatomical similarities to weasels. It is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN owing to its extensive range and general environmental adaptations. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin and ferocious defensive abilities.
Read more about Honey Badger: Etymology, Taxonomy, Physical Description, Range, Relationships With Humans, In Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words honey and/or badger:
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Drag out to their last dregs and I resume
On such legs as are left me, in such heart
As I can manage, remember to go home,
My taste will not have turned insensitive
To honey and bread old purity could love.”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)
“When you are about to badger the weak,
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—Tiruvalluvar (c. 5th century A.D.)