A honey badger (Mellivora capensis), also known as the Ratel, has been captured on camera for the first time in the Terai East Forest Division (TEFD) of Uttarakhand.
- It was photographed on January 7, 2024, near the Sharda River Canal at the Bagha I beat in the Surai range of the forest division.
- The discovery of the rare species in the region was published on September 26, 2024, in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
About Honey badgers
- Honey badgers are omnivorous mammals. They belong to the weasel family.
- These are nocturnal creatures.
- They are known for their powerful, curved claws, which they use to dig burrows for shelter.
- Their diet is diverse, consisting of small animals, fruit and honey. Honey badgers are known for their solitary nature and their ability to twist and turn to escape predators.
- They are found in parts of Africa and Asia.
- They play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by preying on smaller animals and pests, helping to control populations and protect crops.
- The honey badger is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, affording it the highest level of legal protection in India.
- It has been listed as “Least Concern” category in the IUCN Red List.
About Terai Arc Landscape
- The Terai East Forest Division is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, home to a variety of species including tigers, elephants and leopards.
- The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is an 810km stretch between the river Yamuna in the west and the river Bagmati in the east, comprising the Shivalik hills, the adjoining bhabhar areas and the Terai flood plains.
- It is spread across the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and the low lying hills of Nepal.
- The landscape boasts of some of India’s most well-known Tiger Reserves and Protected Areas such as Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Nepal’s Bardia Wildlife Sanctuary, Chitwan National Park, and Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Sanctuary.
- In total, the landscape has 13 Protected Areas, nine in India and four in Nepal, covering a total area of 49,500 km2, of which 30,000km2 lies in India.
