Mellivora capensis (originally Viverra capensis Scherber 1777, 55-75cm long) is the extant honey badger or ratel, traditionally considered close to weasels. Here it nests with several extinct taxa, Kerboras, Patriofelis and Sarkastodon, all substantially larger. This carnivore has few natural predators because of its thick skin and ferocious defensive abilities. |