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Species in News: Honey Badger
Context:
A honey badger, also known as a Ratel, has been captured on camera for the first time in the Terai East Forest Division (TEFD) of Uttarakhand.
More on News:
- The honey badger was photographed near the Sharda River Canal at the Bagha I beat in the Surai range of the forest division.
- The TEFD is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, a biodiverse region that also houses tigers, elephants, and leopards.
About Honey Badger:
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- Scientific Name: Mellivora Capensis
- Classification: Omnivorous mammals belonging to the weasel family.
- Physical Characteristics: Known for powerful claws used for digging; large head and distinct colouration.
- Habitat: Ratels inhabit covered and forested regions of Africa and southern Asia.
- Diet: Includes small animals, fruit, and honey.
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- Behaviour: Nocturnal, elusive, and solitary; difficult to study in the wild.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Legal Protection: They are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 in India, granting them the highest level of legal protection.
- Role in Ecosystem:
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- Population Control: Prey on smaller animals and pests, helping to regulate their populations and protect crops.
- Nutrient Cycling: Contribute to soil enrichment through their diverse diet and waste.
- Ecosystem Indicators: Sensitive to habitat changes, serving as important indicators of ecosystem health and overall environmental conditions.
- Threats: Human activities like farming and poaching are putting pressure on the delicate ecosystem of the TEFD, highlighting the need for increased protection and research.
- Conservation Efforts: Some beekeepers use elevated hives to deter honey badgers, leading to the production of “badger-friendly honey,” benefiting both parties.
Previous Sightings in India
- Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka (2015)
- Chilika Lagoon, Odisha (2019)
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra (2016)
- Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha
- Northern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh
Importance of Wildlife Corridors:
- The TEFD serves as a critical link between Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, facilitating the movement of species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, and hyenas.
- The presence of the honey badger enhances the ecological value of these wildlife corridors, underscoring the need for stronger conservation measures to protect them from human encroachment and habitat loss.