Sexual and seasonal variation in the diet and foraging behaviour of a sexually dimorphic carnivore, the honey badger ( Mellivora capensis )

摘要: The honey badger, or ratel, Mellivora capensis has not been well studied despite its extensive distribution. As part of the first detailed study, visual observations nine habituated free-living individuals (five females, four males) were used to investigate seasonal, annual and sexual differences in diet foraging behaviour. Theory predicts that generalist predators ‘switch’ between alternative prey species depending on which are currently most abundant, breadth expands response decreased availability preferred food types. There significant seasonal consumption eight categories related changes but no intake per kg body mass. predicted, cold-dry season was characterized by low richness yield high dietary diversity, while reverse true hot-dry hot-wet seasons. In accordance with these predictions, results suggest badger maintains level switching varying breadth. Despite marked size dimorphism, male female badgers showed intersexual size, digging success, daily unit weight Results do support hypothesis dimorphism is primarily an adaptation reduce competition for food.