What is "honey badger"

Ratel \Ra"tel\ (r[=a]"t[e^]l), n. [F.] (Zo["o]l.) Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels and the skunks; -- called also honey badger.

Note: Several species are known in Africa and India. The Cape ratel ( Mellivora Capensis) and the Indian ratel ( Mellivora Indica) are the best known. The back is gray; the lower parts, face, and tail are black. They are fond of honey, and rob the nests of wild bees.

n. (taxlink Mellivora capensis species noshow=1), a badger-like mustelid native to Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

n. nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa and southern Asia [syn: ratel, Mellivora capensis]

The honey badger (Mellivora capensis), also known as the ratel ( or ), 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. Despite its name, the honey badger does not closely resemble other badger species; instead, it bears more anatomical similarities to weasels. It is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN owing to its extensive range and general environmental adaptations. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin and ferocious defensive abilities.

The honey badger (also known as the ratel) is a small mammal.

Honey badger may also refer to:

• Laredo Honey Badgers, an American professional indoor soccer team
• Nick Cummins, an Australian rugby union player nicknamed "Honey Badger"
• Brad Marchand, a Canadian ice hockey player nicknamed "Honey Badger"
• Tyrann Mathieu, an American football player nicknamed "Honey Badger"
• Honey Badger (Glee), nickname for Glee character Terri Schuester
• Kixeye's War Commander's tankette
• AAC Honey Badger PDW, an AR-15 based assault rifle/personal defense weapon.
• "Honey Badger" , Survivor (U.S. TV series), 2013 Season 26 (Survivor: Caramoan), episode 2