The Honey Badger in South Africa: Biology and Conservation

Abstract

The honey badger (Mellivora capensis) is an intriguing animal with very particular behavioral characteristics, however, but the knowledge of this, “the most fearless animal in the world”, is incomprehensive. In the following review, we have focused on its behaviour and status in South Africa. Considering that there have been several problems in sustaining the population, mainly related to ongoing threats from agriculture, we have outlined the aspects of the honey badger biology relevant for implementing optimal conservation efforts. Consequently, the conservation status and strategies have been described and discussed, using the available but limited literature. We concluded that the present conservation efforts and solutions have been successfully implemented in South Africa, the badger-friendly products are now a reality and readily available in South Africa. However, the long-lasting effect of present conservation strategies on the honey badger sustainability needs to be evaluated in the future. The conservations measures carried out in South Africa can be a good example for preserving the population globally.