Honey badger
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction -This usually shy animal is well known for its bravery and aggressiveness. Even the larger predators like leopard give the honey badger right of way. Not only is the hide very thick, but it is also very loose. Predators have a hard time getting their teeth into this loose, thick skin.
They have formed a tight bond with a bird called a honey guide. The bird would locate a beehive, but is not strong enough to get to the honey. The honey guide will then call on a badger and lead the badger to the hive. Within a few moments, the honey badger opens the hive and eats his fill. He will always leave something for the honeyguide to secure his next honey-meal.
Habitat - The honey badger is found almost everywhere in Namibia, except in the Namib Desert. There are frequent sightings of honey badgers in the Okaukuejo rest camp in Etosha Park where they have been known to steal food from unsuspecting tourists.
Diet - They are omnivorous and eat everything from insects and small animals, to fish and fruit, to honey and bee-larvaes.
Colouring - The black bottom half of the badger is separated from the grey top half by a white stripe.
Breeding - A single cub is born after a gestation period of 6 months. The female will produce up to two cubs per year.
Size - The honey badger can weigh up to 10 kg. Their shoulder height is 26 cm.
