First photographic evidence of honey badger (Melivora capensis) from Purulia, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The honey badger is the only living species of the genus Melivora which is very rare to found due to its nocturnal behavior. This species is wide spread in Africa, Western and Southern Asia, including most of India. But this had never been recorded before in West Bengal. During our survey work in the Simni Beat of Kothshila Range forest area, we recorded it in a couple of camera traps. The most noticeable thing is that we have documented 3 different individuals, including one pregnant female with a sub adult with it. This finding shows that there might be a possibility of social behaviour among the honey badger in this region which is still not documented before. Moreover, in the near future the habitat usage, diet, ecology and conservation threats can be properly studied and recorded on this species in this landscape which will definitely help the conservation of this species.