Honey Badger thrives in K’taka forests, finds study

Mysuru: The elusive Honey Badger has been spotted in Karnataka forests and that too in large numbers. It’s good news for the highly protected furry ferocious animal as well as for wildlife conservationists. For the first time, scientists have got photographic evidence of the occurrence and distribution of Honey Badgers (Mellivora capensis, and also called ratels) in their extensive study across the state.
The research paper presented by wildlife conservationist Sanjay Gubbi and four others recorded 41 camera trap records from Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, encompassing forests surrounding the picturesque Male Mahadeshwara hills. The study was carried out between January and March this year. Before this, the paper says, only two sightings of the animal in the wild were reported from Karnataka -- by Ullas Karanth in 1986, after the animal was caught from Srinivasapura in Kolar district, and an earlier sighting in the 1960s. An animal was also rescued from a well in Sathanur of then Bangalore Rural district decades later.
Wildlife activists say understanding of the ratels in the Indian sub-continent is hindered due to their elusive nature. The 41-camera trap records show their existence in the sanctuary’s different forest types, from scrub to riverine to deciduous forests. This indicates absence of habitat selectivity by the Honey Badgers.
Gubbi said it was earlier believed the Honey Badger population was very low in Karnataka. But their study offers fresh perspective and suggests they may not be all that uncommon locally. “For the first time, we have recorded the distribution pattern of Honey Badgers that are enlisted as highly protection deserving species (Schedule 1) along with the tiger, elephant and lion,” he pointed out.
Gubbi said studies have shown that Honey Badgers aren’t restricted to the sanctuary and occur even in M M Hills forest ranges.
“Their similar ecological characteristics and habitat continuity mean the strong likelihood of Honey Badgers occurring in MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and eastern parts of Biligiri Rangana temple tiger reserve that adjoins the sanctuary,” he said, adding that beyond Karnataka, the animals may be found in Sathyamangalam tiger reserve, North Cauvery wildlife sanctuary and reserve forests of Kestur, Bilikal, Mallahalli, Natrapalaiyam, Biligundlu, Voddappatti, Bevanurmalai and Badanavadi.
Gubbi’s other team members are V Reddy, DCF of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, H Nagashettihalli, R Bhat and M D Madhusudan.