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Life-history variables of an atypical mustelid, the honey badger Mellivora capensis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 December 2004

C. M. Begg ,
K. S. Begg ,
J. T. Du Toit  and
M. G. L. Mills
C. M. Begg
Affiliation:
Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria Carnivore Conservation Group, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg
K. S. Begg
Affiliation:
Carnivore Conservation Group, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg
J. T. Du Toit
Affiliation:
Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria
M. G. L. Mills
Affiliation:
Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria Carnivore Conservation Group, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg South African National Parks
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Abstract

The honey badger, or ratel, Mellivora capensis has not been well studied and data on life-history variables have previously been incomplete and contradictory. Here we present data on life-history variables that were collected from visual observations as part of the first intensive study of free-living honey badgers (25 radio-marked individuals) and we make comparisons with other similarly sized mustelids (5–25 kg). The honey badger is a non-social species and only the mother rears the young. The data do not support delayed implantation as gestation was a maximum of 50–70 days with the unusually small litter size of one cub. The long time to independence of both male and female cubs (12–16 months) resulted in birth intervals longer than 12 months with no distinct breeding season. Overall the honey badger appears to have a more K-selected life history compared to other species within the Mustelidae.

Keywords

ratelmustelidgestationlitter sizelife history
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 265 , Issue 1 , January 2005 , pp. 17 - 22
Copyright
© 2005 The Zoological Society of London

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