Page 52 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

52 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Ratel

These cuddly critters may look cute, but they hold a surprising record.

According to the 2003 edition of The Guinness Book of Records, these boldly
patterned beasts are ‘the most fearless animals in the world’.They’ve even had
an armoured personnel carrier named after them!

Ears
A pair of handy ear flaps can be
closed up when ratels are
digging or during raids on bee
hives,when tender parts of
the animals’ body are likely to
get stung!

Key Facts ORDER Carnivora / FAMILY Mustelidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Mellivora capensis

Weight Males: up to 14kg (30.9Ib)
Females: up to 10 kg (22 Ib)

Length 60–102cm (23.6–40.1in)
Tail: 16–30cm (6.3–11.8in)

Sexual maturity Not recorded
Breeding season 8 months
Number of young 1–2
Gestation period 50–70 days

Breeding interval Twice a year
Typical diet Large invertebrates, small reptiles,
mammals and honey

Lifespan Up to 9 years in wild; 28 in captivity

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.