• Mammals |
  • Predators |
  • Honey badger

 

Honey badger

(Mellivora capensis)

lion
 

Shoulder height:

±30cm / 11.8in

Weight:

8-14kg / 17.6-30.9lbs

Food:

A great variety, including insects, invertebrates, rodents, birds. They also raid beehives for larvae and honey

Habitat:

Any habitat in Kruger; they're very adaptable

Social behaviour:

Solitary or in pairs and small family groups

Active:

Predominantly at night, but are also seen in the early morning and late afternoon

Sightings:

Rare


Honey badgers have a reputation for being one of the most aggressive animals in Africa! They seldom back down from conflict and there are even reports of them standing up to elephants (even though they'd never win that fight!).

They have a very interesting relationship with honey guide birds, which call the honey badger when they find a beehive. The little bird leads the honey badger to the hive and then it is the honey badger's job to open up the hive and get to the honey combs. Its tough skin allows the honey badger to withstand a great number of bee stings! It will dig out some of the combs, eat and then leave a piece for the bird.


Back to main mammals page


How to find honey badgers in the Kruger National Park:

Honey badgers
...are seldom seen in the Kruger National Park. They do, however, occur throughout the park and it is nearly impossible to suggest "better" camps and roads for them.

Your best bet would be to go on a few guided night drives.



© Copyright 2013 go!
Incorrect username or password

Forgot password?

If you register you can:

  • Share your travel stories and tips
  • Upload your photos
  • Talk to other Go readers online
  • Seek advice
  • Save all your web favourites
  • Participate in the Go test panel