What Is A Mongoose?
We use the term mongoose to name several species of mammals belonging to the Herpestidae family . The most famous species is certainly the meerkat, which was hugely successful among children due to its presence in cartoons. But what are the characteristics of these curious animals?
Mongoose: physical characteristics and taxonomy
Currently, 33 species of mongooses are known that make up the Herpestidae family . These small mammals have a thin, elongated body, which usually measures between 30 cm and 1.2 meters, depending on the species.
Its body weight can vary from 300 grams to 4 kilos, also according to the morphology of each animal.
Fur also depends fundamentally on the species of each individual. Some mongooses have thick, abundant hair, while others have thin, sparse hair.
Colors generally range from gray to brown, and many specimens exhibit a brindle appearance due to the dark bands of their skin.
All species have certain physical similarities, such as the muzzle and the pair of small rounded ears.
The mongoose’s legs are short and contain powerful, sharp claws, which allow it to dig very easily.
Furthermore, the head and body seem to form a single piece, thanks to their fine lines with soft contours.
Mongooses have a set of receptors that release a substance that inhibits the toxic effects of the viper’s venom.
This allows them to be very good hunters of venomous snakes, which is an excellent skill for these species.
Another peculiar feature of the mongoose is its important anal gland, which releases a substance with a strong aroma.
The animal releases this odor to mark territory and also to attract attention during the breeding period.
mongoose habitat
Mongooses originally inhabit the entire Iberian Peninsula, southern Europe, Asia and southern Africa.
They are usually concentrated in forests and grasslands, but can also be found in rocky terrain.
In the 19th century, mongooses were introduced to Hawaii, the Antilles and the Bahamas to combat rodents that harmed sugarcane crops.
However, the rapid growth of its population caused an imbalance in the local fauna and threatened the survival of many species native to these islands.
Mongoose feeding
Mongooses are carnivorous mammals whose diet includes insects, rodents, lizards, snakes, birds, worms and frogs.
On occasion, they may also consume carrion and eggs from other animals to ensure protein intake.
To supplement their nutrition, they often eat seeds, nuts and some fruits.
In the wild, mongooses generally hunt any animal that is smaller than themselves, regardless of their species.
Although they stand out for their ability to hunt poisonous snakes, they usually don’t consume them if other foods are available.
Unfortunately, this mongoose skill is often used in some countries for human entertainment purposes.
In Asian markets, for example, it is common to see organized fights between mongooses and snakes. It’s an unfortunate spectacle that puts all the species involved at risk.
Mongoose Habits
The mongoose is an active animal during much of the day, from sunrise to night. Almost all species are sociable, live in burrows and form colonies of 10 to 15 individuals.
There are also mongooses with solitary habits, which come together only to mate.
In colonies, each mongoose cooperates by performing certain functions to allow the collective survival. In general, younger individuals are responsible for protecting puppies and the elderly together.
Mongoose reproduction
With the arrival of spring, mongooses prepare for the mating period. To attract males, females emit a very characteristic sound that resembles a laugh.
They usually have one litter a year, but can mate again if their offspring do not survive.
Each female can give birth to three to five pups per litter, which she will nurse for six weeks.
After weaning, young people must learn to hunt with the guidance of their mothers.
Males usually leave the nest when the chicks complete their first two months of life. But young people can live with their mothers all their lives, in the same hole.
