HONEY BADGER

About

Honey badgers are omnivorous mammals that belong to the weasel family. 

Scientific Name

Mellivora capensis

Features

These are nocturnal creatures.

They are known for their powerful, curved claws, which they use to dig burrows for shelter. 

It is distinguished by its large head and distinctive mantle colouring.

Honey badgers are known for their solitary nature and their ability to twist and turn to escape predators. 

Diet

Their diet is diverse, consisting of small animals, fruit and honey.

Distribution

They are found in parts of Africa and Asia

Ecological significance

They play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by preying on smaller animals and pests, helping to control populations and protect crops.

Additionally, honey badgers contribute to nutrient cycling by enriching the soil through their diet and waste. 

Their sensitivity to habitat changes makes them important indicators of ecosystem health, ensuring a diverse and thriving environment for other species.

Conservation status

The honey badger is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, providing it the highest level of legal protection in India.

Its conservation status in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List is listed as “Least Concern”.

Terai Arc Landscape

The TAL is an 810 km stretch of land that runs between the Yamuna and Bhagmati rivers in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, as well as the low-lying hills of Nepal.

It is home to a variety of species including tigers, elephants and leopards.

The area, characterised by Moist Terai Sal Forest, provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, but human activities such as farming and poaching are putting pressure on this delicate ecosystem.

In February 2024, the UN named the TAL a World Restoration Flagship. The World Restoration Flagships are chosen as the best examples of ongoing, large-scale, and long-term ecosystem restoration.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “Honey badgers” recently seen in the news: 

1. They are omnivorous mammals.
2. Honey badgers are known for their solitary nature.
3. They have been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C. All Three

D.None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: 

Honey badgers are omnivorous mammals that belong to the weasel family. 

Statement 2 is correct: 

These nocturnal creatures.

They are known for their powerful, curved claws, which they use to dig burrows for shelter. 

It is distinguished by its large head and distinctive mantle colouring.

Honey badgers are known for their solitary nature and their ability to twist and turn to escape predators. 

Statement 3 is incorrect: 

The honey badger is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, providing it the highest level of legal protection in India.

Its conservation status in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List is listed as “Least Concern”.