Documentation of Honey Badger
The protected areas of the Cauvery belt have been constantly revealing the presence of the highly elusive and nocturnal Honey Badgers, which has been documented for the first time in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), MM Hills Wildlife sanctuary and BRT Tiger reserve. On the Endangered List of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these contiguous protected areas (PAs) seem to be holding the only recorded population in Karnataka state. The sightings of these small carnivorous animals are indeed very rare in the forests of India.
Elusive in Nature
Considered to be most fearless animals in Africa, these mammals have hardly been studied in India because of their elusive nature. Known to inhabit different kinds of habitats, they have been found in deciduous forests, scrubs and riverine habitats but dominating in Scrubs.
Rare creatures
With researchers camera-trapping them as a part of tiger and leopard density study in the Cauvery landscape, Sanjay Gubbi of Nature Conservation Foundation says except in these areas, honey badgers have not been seen in any other part of Karnataka.
They have been extensively photographed in 2015 too apart from the 2014 documentation by a group of five researchers including Sanjay Gubbi, Vasant Reddy, etal. The first photographic evidence in the state comprises 41 camera-trap records from CWS. During January to March 2014, they were detected in the sanctuary’s varied forest types broadly in proportion to camera-trapping effort therein.
camera trapped
“Our understanding on the occurrence and distribution of the species in India is hindered by the animal’s elusive nature and its nocturnal habit and studies have to be done further. The conservationist further adds that individual animals, sometimes in pairs and even cubs were camera trapped, however, associated animals could not be seen. “If it is a male, the cub is bigger than the mother. It is difficult to elaborate on its population density. Unlike Africa, we did not see any threat to badgers from farmers as in these regions, there is no bee keeping. Badgers are known to feed on bees. However, since they are rarely sighted, they need to be protected even in our PAs.”
Fearless Creatures
The honey badger’s pelage, particularly the colour of the gray mantle and the broad white stripe is highly variable and changes with age. These fearless creatures feed on a variety of diets including insect larvae, small reptiles, birds, scorpions, rodents and even snakes. As their name suggests, they are known to feed on the highly nutritious bee brood by raiding honey bee hives. They are known for attacking apiaries in Africa and are therefore, killed by farmers.
Highest level of Protection
Although it is globally listed as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, its perceived relative rarity in India means it receives the highest level of protection and is therefore, listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Where in India
In India, honey badgers are usually found in the semi arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with occasional sightings from the moist areas of Orissa, West Bengal and as far as Assam. In Southern part, it is reported from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.