35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Mustelidae; Genus: Mellivora; Genus species: Mellivora capensis. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 60-102 cm; Height: 23-30 cm; Weight: 5.5-14 kg; Identification: The honey badger is black with a gray mantle and white edges covering its back, head, and shoulders; Habitat: Plains, mountains, arid scrub, deserts, forests, rainforests; Diet: Omnivore: small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, carrion, invertebrates, honey, fruit; Reproduction: There is no fixed breeding season for badgers. Gestation lasts 6-8 weeks, although in zoos and areas with distinct seasons there is a delayed implantation of the fertilized egg. One or two young are born and remain with their mother for 14 months. Badgers live up to 25 years in captivity; Social Structure: Groups consist of a mother and her young or a few males. More badgers may gather in areas with abundant food; Behavior: Honey badgers are largely nocturnal with some daytime activity near the den. They live in burrows, traveling from burrow to burrow throughout their home ranges; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Honey badgers are hunted by lions and leopards.