Honey Badger (Ratel)
Scientific Name: Mellivora capensis
Common Name: Ratel
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Habitat & Distribution:
Honey badgers are distributed across parts of Africa and Asia. In India, their presence has been recorded in:
- Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka)
- Chilika Lagoon (Odisha)
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
Ecological Role & Importance:
- They help regulate populations of smaller animals and pests, thereby protecting crops.
- Their feeding and excretory activities enrich the soil, aiding nutrient cycling.
- Considered indicators of ecosystem health, their presence reflects a balanced and thriving environment.