Page 110 - Present Day Wildlife_Float

Mongoose is a common term used to describe a small carnivorous mammal belonging exclusive-
ly to the Family Herpestidae*. There are 34 extant species in 14 genera divided between two subfami-
lies, Herpestinae and Mungotinae. They are native to, Europe, Africa and Asia, with members of the
subfamily Mungotinae found only in Africa. The largest of the species, the white-tailed mongoose,
(I.albicauda = ‘white tail’) is around
(excluding the tail) 48 to 71 cm in length,
with an average weight of around 3 to 4kg.
The smallest, the dwarf mongoose,
(H.parvula = ‘very small’) is around 16 to
23 cm in length and weighs around 213 to
341grams. The ancestor of the present day
mongoose is believed to have appeared
around 20 million years ago

Mongooses vary in shape and colour
across the 34 species found in the Family
Herpestidae. Most have long slender bodies,
short legs with five non-retractable clawed
toes. They all have small round heads with a
pointed snout, short oval ears and small
round eyes. Most have a long thin tapering
tail, though some are bushy and some have
stripes. The texture of their fur coat can differ
drastically, with most being rough to the
touch, while some, like the Dwarf have a
*Family Herpestidae smooth and glossy coat. There colour varies

Subfamily Herpestinae (Native to from greyish browns and blacks, to a plain tawny and some
Europe, Africa, Asia) like the Banded mongoose have dark bands running down
Genus Atilax: their backs.

Genus Bdeogale: Across the regions they inhabit, mongooses can be
Genus Cynictis: found in woodland, open savannas, bushland and moun-
Genus Herpestes: tainous scrubland. Most live in burrows, either those they
Genus Ichneumia: dig or those abandoned by other animals. A few however,
Genus Paracynictis: are arboreal, living in hollows and holes in trees. Many live
Genus Rhynchogale: alone or in ones or twos, while some like the Dwarf and
Genus Urva: Banded Mongoose live in large groups of 20 to 50. They are
a transient species and are constantly moving from one ar-
Genus Xenogale: ea to another. They are also very aggressive. Once estab-
Subfamily Mungotinae (Africa) lished in an area they will fearlessly attack and kill any in-
Genus Crossarchus: terloper. However, what makes the mongoose stand out
Genus Dologale: from other small predators is its attacks on venomous
Genus Helogale: snakes. The Indian grey mongoose, for instance, is known
to have a liking for the King Cobra and will fearlessly at-
Genus Liberiictis: tack and kill one if the chance arises. The mongoose can do
Genus Mungos: this because it has an anti-venom serum, known as glyco-

Genus Suricata: (MeerKat) protein, running through its veins that renders the snakes
Mongoose-like species venom harmless.
Family Eupleridae (Madagascar)
SudFamily Eupleridae Mongooses are carnivores and most terrestrial species
Genus Cryptoprocta live on a diet of insects, crabs, earthworms, lizards, birds,
mice and rats. Some however, like the Marsh mongoose ,
Genus Eupleres are aquatic, and live on fish, frogs and other aquatic life,
Genus Fossa. though they also hunt and eat terrestrial prey. Occasionally
Subfamily Galidiinae a mongoose is domesticated and used to eradicate or pre-
Genus Galidia vent rodent infestation. However, because of their liking for
Genus Galidictis poultry they are rarely allowed on farms. Mongooses have
Genus Mungotictis their fair share of predators and are preyed on by birds of
Genus Salanoia prey, wild dogs, jackals, hyenas and snakes