A robust mustelid found in parts of Africa and Asia.
Most have black underparts with a white or gray mantle over the head and back. The broad forefeet bear large claws.
During the 2016 dry-season survey at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in central India, researchers placed cameras at 397 locations for a total of 9,828 trap nights. Because individuals could not be identified by appearance, they used detection records by camera location to estimate density at about 14 honey badgers per 100 km².
Cameras recorded honey badgers 206 times, with activity peaking around midnight; fewer than 10% of photographs were taken between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Activity overlapped little with tigers, leopards, and dholes, and more with jungle cats and rusty-spotted cats. Captures were also associated with greater forest cover and lower elevation.
IUCN Red List · Least Concern (LC) · Global
The 2016 global IUCN assessment classified the Honey Badger as Least Concern (LC), based on an assessment dated 28 February 2015. Its wide range, varied habitats, and broad diet supported that category. The assessment also recorded a decreasing global population trend and identified trapping or poisoning by beekeepers and small livestock farmers, as well as non-selective control aimed at other species, as threats. It reported local disappearances in some areas. These findings describe the 2015 assessment.