Honey badgers are extraordinarily tenacious and intelligent carnivores that frequently conflict with beekeepers and poultry farmers. Welfare-positive conflict management protects both animals and livelihoods.
Honey badger welfare is threatened by persecution from beekeepers and poultry farmers who experience losses from raids. Trapping and shooting are common responses, often causing injury rather than clean death. Honey badgers' remarkable toughness means they frequently survive initial capture attempts with significant welfare harm. Innovative hive designs that prevent honey badger access resolve conflict without lethal management. Raised hives on smooth-metal poles are simple and effective. Community programs providing raised hive designs to affected beekeepers reduce the economic motivation for honey badger persecution while protecting both the animals and farmer livelihoods.