Dwarf mongoose

The Dwarf Mongoose (Helogale parvula) is the smallest of all African carnivores. It is about the size of a squirrel, has a short head, sharp nose, rounded ears, and a pelage that is both red-brown and glossy. They are found in the South Savanna, Somali Masai and also in Ethiopia and Namibia.

They live around termite mounds, woodlands and wooded vegetations and their diet consists of grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, scorpions, spiders, lizards, snakes, some vegetables, fruits... The Dwarf Mongoose is diurnal, but sometimes their habits change, influenced by the weather. The Dwarf Mongoose lives with packs, and these packs "own" territories that are about 85 acres in size.

There is a breeding pair, and this is made up of the older female and male, and they monopolize breeding. The monopoly is theirs only for as long as they are dominant, which would last up to many years. Females would lead the group, it is the male's job to lookout and be aware of external threats and attacks from rival groups. The other members are the ones to care for the newborns, liberating the mother from the obligations of feeding her young. Thus, instead of feeding the young, the mother has all the time to feed and take care of herself. The newborns would leave the den after 3 weeks, and would start foraging (not alone) after a month.

Interesting fact: Somewhere in East Kenya a long time ago, a fascinating association was documented between a mongoose and 2 Bush Hornbills. The hornbills would get the rodents/insects acquired by the pack, and as a "counter-favor", they would be "guards". They would emit alarm calls when they see flying predators approaching.

Original picture by

Miika Silfverberg from Vantaa, Finland, posted on Flickr, licensed under Attribution ShareAlike 2.0