Fig. 222. — Ratel. Mellivora capensis. × ⅛.
Date 1902
Source The Cambridge Natural History, Volume X—Mammalia.
Author Frank E. Beddard
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cambridge_Natural_History_Mammalia_Fig_222.jpg

The honey badger or ratel (Mellivora capensis) is the only species in the mustelid subfamily Mellivorinae and its only genus Mellivora. It is native to Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin and ferocious defensive abilities.