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:
“I, of ladies most deject and wretched,
That sucked the honey of his music vows,
Now see that noble and most sovereign reason
Like sweet bells jangled out of tune and harsh.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“When you are about to badger the weak,
Then imagine yourself before a more powerful man.”
—Tiruvalluvar (c. 5th century A.D.)