Mongoose

Species

There are 34 species in the mongoose family in 20 genera. They range from the dwarf mongoose to the large Egyptian mongoose. Meerkats are also part of the mongoose family.

Mungos mungo

Banded mongoose

Population

The mongoose is classified as Least Concern with stable numbers.

Size

The banded mongoose has a total length of 55-60 cm (body is 30-45 cm and tail is 15-20 cm). They weigh about 1.5-2.5 kg.
The dwarf mongoose is only 18 cm long, weighing less then 300 grams.
The Egyptian mongoose measures 55-60 cm, weighing 1.7 - 4kg.

Habitat & distribution

The banded mongoose is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa down to South Africa. It can tolerate a range of habitats including grassland, woodland, rocky country and riverine areas but no desert or desert-like habitats.

Symbiotic relationship with warthogs

A symbiotic relationship benefits both species. Mongooses have been observed eating ticks off warthogs. The mongoose gets food and the warthog get cleaned.

Diet

Mongoose are mainly insectivores but they also eat vegetable matter and other vertebrates such as lizards, snakes, rodents, birds as well as eggs.

Interesting facts

Mongoose, like humans, are diurnal (active during the day).
When faced with hard food items, such as snails or eggs, they throw it between their legs against a hard surface.
The Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) was introduced to Hawaiian and Caribbean islands in 1883 by the sugarcane industry to control snake and rat populations. Unfortunately, the mongoose caused the extinction of several species of ground-dwelling birds and they also eat sea turtle eggs. They are now classified as a pest.

Group

Mongooses live in groups of 10-20. The pack is led by a matriarch but they are not territorial - they are nomadic. Troop, committee, delegation, mongaggle are all words used to describe a group of mongooses. They live in a communal den.

Breeding & lifespan

The gestation period is 2 months. A litter of 2-6 pups is born in a grass lined chamber, which is a warren, holes in the ground dug by other animals or old termite mounds. The females in a pack will often give birth within a few days of each other.

Predators & threats

Predators include hawks, jackals and snakes.