Endangered Ratel spends longest life in Nandankanan Zoo

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7(UNI) After living for 28 years in the Nandankanan Zoo, a Ratel, commonly known as Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) died today.

This Ratel, the longest living in captivity recorded so far, was included in the Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It was purchased from a villager and brought to the zoo in 1978 from Damana village.

Nandankanan Zoo Director Ajit Pattnaik said here normally the Ratels are known to live in wild for 5-8 years. The Ratel in the Nandankanan Zoo have lived for 28 years and a few years in the possession of the villager.

Mr Pattnaik said the Ratel is found across Africa, Middle East and India. But it does not live in deserts where the climate is arid, nor in wet and dense equatorial jungles.

The Ratel is generally a solitary animal but it has also been found in small groups. These groups usually consist of about three members, most likely families. Ratels are nomadic and have a large home range.

As a predator, the Ratel uses its quickness to run down much of its prey. It attacks even poisonous snakes, relying on its shaggy coat to protect it. Squat and muscular, the Ratel attack animals much larger than itself.

Ratel has the positive contribution to the human being by bringing down the population of disease carrying rodents and annoying insects, Mr Pattnaik said.

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