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:
“Maid
of the luminous grey-eyes,
Mistress
of honey and marble implacable white thighs
and Goddess,
chaste daughter of Zeus.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)
“When you are about to badger the weak,
Then imagine yourself before a more powerful man.”
—Tiruvalluvar (c. 5th century A.D.)