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Project Noah Nature School
Mellivora capensis
Spotted on Apr 2, 2011
Submitted on Apr 2, 2011
3 Comments
I love honey badgers. I want to see one when I can.
How exciting to see such rare creatures!
Honey badgers have a symbiotic relationship with the African honeyguide. The honeyguide, as its name suggests, is a wizard at locating bee’s nest with a delicious supply of honey. The catch for the bird is that it is too small to enter the bee’s nest and is also afraid of the bees’ sting. It enlists the help of the more powerful ratel (a nocturnal carnivorous African mammal that resembles a badger). With its coating of fur, the ratel is safe from the sting of the bees and he therefore fearlessly breaks open the nest and helps himself generously to the supply of honey. Once he is satisfied, he invites the honeyguide to take its share, probably a tip for helping him locate the honey.
Please add to the Symbiotic Relationships mission.
I had only heard of them. Saw one now. Thanks.