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Mellivora

Genus of mammals From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mellivora
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Mellivora is a genus of mustelids that contains the honey badger or ratel (Mellivora capensis). It is also the sole living representative of the subfamily Mellivorinae. Additionally, two extinct species are known. The honey badger is native to much of Africa and South Asia, while fossil relatives occurred in those areas and Southern Europe.

Quick facts Mellivora Temporal range: Late Miocene - Recent, Scientific classification ...
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Taxonomy

The genus Mellivora probably evolved from the more primitive Promellivora punjabiensis of India (which itself was formerly classified as M. punjabiensis). The two genera are grouped together in the tribe Eomellivorini together with the extinct giant mustelids Eomellivora and Ekorus.[3]

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Mandible of M. benfieldi

Mellivora benfieldi is considered a likely ancestor of the living honey badger.[4]

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References

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