(Mellivora capensis)

Classification

 Physical characteristics Range Eating habits

Reproduction Behavior  Conservation

 Classification

            Kingdom: Animalia                                                                                                              

                   Phylum: Chordata

                                Class: Mammalia

                                        Family: Mustelidae                                                                                 

                                                    Subfamily: Mellivorinae

                                                                    Genus: Mellivora

                                                                                 Species: Mellivora capensis     

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Physical Characteristics  

Despite their appearance, ratels are not badgers, but belong to a sub-family of their own, the Melllivoines. Ratels have short legs and a low body which is characteristic to Mustelids. The ratel is black on top and underneath, with a contrasting  white stripe that begins just above the eyes and ends at the tip of the tail, covering the entire width of the back, from shoulder to shoulder. The head and body length is 2.5 feet on average,  tail length is 1 ft. Weight is between 17.5-32 lbs, with females being slightly smaller than the males.

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Range and Habitat

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The ratel can be  found widely all across Africa, in most regions south of the Sahara, the Middle East, and India, but it does not take up residence in the deserts where the climate is hot and arid, and not in equatorial jungles which are too wet and too dense.

Natural history 

Eating Habits

The ratel is omnivorous, but as a predator, uses its quickness to run down much of its prey. Squat and muscular, it always ready to defend itself, it  has been known to attack animals much larger than itself such as the African buffalo, the gnu, or waterbuck and even attacks poisonous snakes, relying on its shaggy coat to protect it from harm.  The ratel's favorite treats are honey and bee larva. Although it is most often found feasting on small reptiles, rodents, birds, insects and even carrion but it also eats fruits, berries, roots, plants, and eggs.                                   

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Reproduction

Due to the secretive nature of this animal little is known about its reproduction.  Evidence shows that ratels probably form monogamous pairs for mating. Though mating usually occurs in September thru October, it is not strictly reserved to a specific season. After a gestation period between six to seven months, one to four cubs are born, in April or May, although it is most commonly two. The cubs are hairless, blind, and lack the coloration of the adult ratel.  

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Behavior

Ratels have great stamina, a large home range, and roam through it freely. Generally a solitary animal but it has been observed in small groups. These groups are most likely family groups.  They are very secretive and usually nocturnal, hunting at night. When threatened a ratel can feign death but usually attacks and has even been known to attack human hunters and cars. Ratels, like most mustelids, secrete foul smelling anal secretions to discourage enemies. The ratel is also known as the  Honey Badger which comes from its famous relationship with the Honeyguide bird. When the guide locates a bee hive, it seeks out the Ratel, calls to it and  flies off in the direction of the hive. The ratel follows and is then guided to the hive site, which  it quickly breaks into using its strong claws. The ratel has tough skin and does not seem affected by the stinging bees. Both the ratel and the honeyguide benefit in the spoils of honey, larvae and wax. Without the guide, the ratel would probably only stumble upon such a treat on a rare occasions, and without the ratel the guide would not have the strength required to open the hive.

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    Economic Importance For Humans

 Positive

 In the past, Ratels were hunted for their pelts due to their attractiveness. The feeding methods of the ratel keeps down the population of disease carrying rodents and annoying insects.

Negative

Some ratels have attacked domestic livestock for food, such as sheep. When frightened or threatened by humans, they could attack.  

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 Conservation

Status: threatened

It can be hard to track an animal with such a wide home range who is also secretive and nomadic. This could be why so few of these animals are ever spotted. The ratel has a wide range, but it is rare in this homeland. As a nomadic predator, its need for lots of space makes it threatened in areas of human development. This threat has been answered by some governments with laws of protection.

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More Ratel Links

The Johannesburg Zoo

Badger info

Ultimate Honey Badger Links List

This page created by Carey Stanton Nov. 21, 2001

Penascola Zoo Tech student

For more info e-mail Small Carnivore TAG education liaison