Class Mammalia Linnaeus, 1758 - mammals
   Subclass Theria Parker & Haswell, 1897
     Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821 - carnivores
       Suborder Caniformia Kretzoi, 1943
         Family Mustelidae Batsch, 1788 - weasels, badgers, skunks, and otters
           Subfamily Mustelinae Batsch, 1788 - weasels
             Genus Mellivora Storr, 1780 [monotypic] - honey badger
               Mellivora capensis (Schreber, 1776) - honey badger
                 Mellivora capensis cottoni Lydekker, 1906