Mellivora capensis
The Honey Badger or ‘ratel’ is a tenacious small carnivore that has a reputation for being, pound for pound, Africa's most fearless animal despite its small size. It is even listed as the 'most fearless animal in the world' in the 2002 Guinness Book of Records!

Tales of their fondness for honey and the foraging association between the Greater Honeyguide and Honey Badgers, have reached almost legendary proportions. Despite the wealth of fireside stories and folklore that surround them and their extremely wide distribution, Honey Badgers are still relatively unknown and are seldom seen. Despite their passion for honey, they are not dependant on honey, with rodents and reptiles forming the staple diet. Badgers can thus be useful in reducing the populations of rats, scorpions and dangerous snakes.

Recently, a field study of Honey Badgers in South Africa revealed more in-depth information about their social life, breeding and feeding behaviour and dispelled some of the myths. Current badger projects include genetic research and the highly successful Badger-Friendly Initiative which encourages consumers to purchase honey produced by beekeepers who apply badger-friendly methods of preventing hive raids by badgers, instead of persecuting them.