The Making of a Diorama
The Habitat Views video considers ways of looking at dioramas today, and documents the creation of several new displays. Take a look over on our YouTube Channel >
Our Exhibits Meet State Standards!
Our diorama halls are just one place where teachers and chaperones can meet State Standards! To download easy-to-use field trip guides that are aligned with Standards.
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Recreating Nature Indoors
Ever wonder who made the dioramas in our mammal halls? Read all about the artists who created these wonderful scenes. Learn more >
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Ratel or honey badger
Mellivora capensis (Schreber, 1776)
Scene:
Serengeti Plain, TanzaniaSponsor:
Tom and Valley Knudsen FoundationBackground artist:
Duncan Alanson SpencerAlso present:
Greater HoneyguideThe ratel is a member of the weasel family. Its fearsome claws and tremendous strength are used in burrowing for shelter and for digging up dung beetles for food.
The other common name for ratel is honey badger. Greater Honeyguides will lead a ratel to a bee's nest and will then share the beeswax (and eggs, larvae, and pupae) when the ratel breaks open the hive.
Biological Information
Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat:
Commonest in open woodland but also forest, desert steppe, alpine moorland and coastal scrub
Status:
Declining
Diet:
Opportunistic omnivore: insects, reptiles, birds, fish, carrion, honey
Further information about this species may be found on the Animal Diversity Web page for honey badger.