Rare honey badgers spotted in Kheoni sanctuary

Indore: Dewas forest department has confirmed presence of elusive honey badger (Ratel) within Kheoni wildlife sanctuary. The confirmation came in after a pair was captured on CCTV cameras installed deep within the dense forest tracts.Known locally as ‘qabar bijju,' honey badgers are known for being among the most fearless creatures in the animal kingdom.Sanctuary superintendent Vikas Mahorey said that despite their shy and nocturnal nature, these omnivores are incredibly resilient. "They possess a dense hide and powerful musculature that allows them to stand their ground against much larger predators like tigers and leopards," Mahorey told TOI.He said that these solitary mammals with a distinct white-to-grey band stretching from head to tail, play a vital role in the ecosystem. While they are classified as ‘Least Concern' globally, they enjoy the highest level of legal protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, placing them at par with tigers and elephants.The sighting of honey badger highlights the remarkable ecological recovery of the Kheoni wildlife sanctuary. Over the last few years, the sanctuary has transitioned from a quiet forest patch into a thriving wildlife corridor. This resurgence is most evident in the increasing population of apex predators; the sanctuary has seen a steady rise in tiger and leopard numbers, indicating a healthy and robust food chain."The growing wildlife density is attributed to improved habitat management and strict anti-poaching measures. Beyond tigers, the sanctuary has become a safe haven for diverse species like spotted deer, sambar, and wild boar" Mahorey said.The flourishing environment has turned Kheoni into a critical conservation zone in Madhya Pradesh, where even the most elusive species like honey badger are now finding safety and resources to thrive.