Novel Approaches to Promote poorly known Mammals of Maharashtra State

Abstract

A number of mammalian species in Maharashtra are still poorly known although there are laws and rigorous enforcement for their conservation. Such species remain in the shadows of the charismatic species. They are little written about and photographed. The ratel or the honey badger is one such species. It has a wide geographic distribution across South Central Africa, the Baltic region, Central Europe and South Asia. It is much better recorded in many countries of South Central African/Baltic region than in India. In India the species is often wrongly identified and in some areas superstitions around the species abound to the extent of even promoting its killing on account of being considered sinister. The bird is supposed to lead people to honey combs. The bird likewise is believed to be associated with the ratel for a similar function. Thus, the ratel has got the alternative name of honey badger. The media of philately and numismatics have been effectively harnessed in many countries for showcasing the honey badger. A similar approach is recommended as an effective tool for showcasing the honey badger and other poorly known species.