ABSTRACT
A remarkable example of protocooperation is the partnership between an African bird, the greater honey-guide (Indicator indicator), and a mammal, the honey badger or ratel (Mellivora capensis) (Plate 5.1). The honey-guide seeks out a beehive, then flitters around making a chattering cry to attract the attention of a honey badger, or any other interested mammal, including humans. The honey badger rips open the hive and feeds upon honey and bee larvae. After the honey badger has had its fill, the bird feeds. Its digestive system can even cope with the nestchamber wax, which is broken down by symbiotic wax-digesting bacteria living in its intestines. In captivity, individuals have been kept alive for up to 32 days feeding exclusively on wax! The honey-guide is adept at finding beehives but is incapable of opening them; the honey badger is good at opening beehives but is not good at finding them. The protocooperation clearly profits both species.
