Rare Albino Honey Badger Found in Western Cape
Albino Honey Badger at DeWildt Cheetah Centre | Photo Cred: DeWildt Cheetah Centre

A rare albino honey badger had been recorded at De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (11 December 2021) – An extremely rare albino honey badger was caught on camera at the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape.

The honey badger, spotted on a camera trap in the Overberg region, is albino and is the first to be recorded in scientific literature in the Western Cape wild.

According to a statement by CapeNature, BirdLife South Africa and Panthera were granted a research permit to undertake a camera trap survey at De Hoop Nature Reserve to determine the relative abundance of predators, which could be a potential threat to the establishment of a new penguin colony at De Hoop. While the purpose of the camera trap survey was focused on species such as leopard and caracal, which have been known to predate on penguins, all species captured on the cameras were recorded.

“Among the images captured was an extremely rare albino honey badger (Mellivora capensis), which is the first record of this condition for this species in scientific literature in the Western Cape – although we are aware of at least one other record within CapeNature.”

Albinism is an inherited disorder that occurs due to a reduction in or absence of melanin formation. The natural colouration of a honey badger is black underparts, including the face, with an off-white dorsal surface, while the albino honey badger is completely white. Albinism generally results in reduced fitness for wild animals, which means a reduced chance of survival, and as a result, it is an extremely rare trait as natural selection reduces the chances of this gene being passed on. The reduced fitness is caused by reduced visual perception, increased sensitivity to solar radiation, and reduced camouflage, which affects both predators and prey.

Check out the camera trap photo below:

Rare Albino Honey Badger Found in Western Cape
Photo Cred: CapeNature

Sources: Facebook 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here
Click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes that there’s good news all around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *