MARSH MONGOOSE

The distribution of the marsh mongoose, Atilax paludinosus, is throughout much of central and southern Africa, south

of the Sahara Desert. These mongoose require a preferably large freshwater source, bordered by lots of thick to semi-

thick vegetation - hence the name marsh mongoose. The marsh mongoose is an important member of the small

community of animals specially adapted to papyrus swamps, due to the deoxygenated water which only allows air

breathing fish, frogs, insect larvae, snails, and mongooses to inhabit the region.

The marsh mongoose has a total body length of 18-24 in. It is a well-built and stocky mongoose usually weighing

between 5 to 9 lbs. Its fur is long, course, and brownish in color with the guard hairs being black at the tip. The fur

on its head and belly is usually lighter in color. Although the marsh mongoose is primarily aquatic, it lacks the

webbing between the toes that so many other aquatic species exhibit. This may be due to the fact that it conducts a

great amount of it's foraging in the mud of the river banks or marshes. It has five toes on each paw with short/blunt

claws on each which do not retract. Its thumb acts as a backup digit that allows the mongoose to maintain a better

grip on slippery ground. The marsh mongoose paw padding is underdeveloped and very sensitive to the touch, which

aids in finding food. The tail of the marsh mongoose is thick at the base and tapers off to a point at the tip. It

normally ranges from 12 to 24 in. in length. The upper lip and area around the anus have large apteric regions.

The marsh mongoose is a versatile carnivore. Since it inhabits such a diverse range of environments, it has a variety

of food items to choose from. Among these items are crabs and mussels, snails, reptiles and frogs, birds and bird's

eggs, large insects and various fruits. An excellent sense of smell as well as intelligence aids in helping the marsh

mongoose find food. The marsh mongoose is an example of a small carnivore that uses tools such as rocks to help

break into tougher foods such as mussels and eggs. As it combs along the riverbanks and swamp beds with its hands,

being careful to keep its head above water, it will investigate every nook and cranny and every small hiding place in

order to unearth its next meal.

It has been reported that the marsh mongoose will sometimes lay very still, with the pink anal region and lighter

underbelly parts readily visible. This makes a startling contrast against the dark fur, and induces birds to

investigate. When the birds come near enough, the mongoose attacks and the birds are killed and consumed.

Behavior

The marsh mongoose is primarily solitary and crepuscular, although activity during the day is not uncommon. It is a

creature of habit, usually following well-worn and established paths near the edges of the water. It is a very

territorial mongoose, quick to defend its boundaries. When threatened, the marsh mongoose will emit a low growl,

which may explode into loud, barking growling. If the adversary does not back away, the marsh mongoose will

excrete a foul smelling brown fluid from its anal sacs. It is also capable of emitting high-pitched cries and open-

mouthed bleats when excited.

In many parts of southern Africa, the marsh mongoose is commonly kept as a house pet. It is considered tame and

very clean if raised from a young age. In captivity, the marsh mongoose has been recorded as living up to 17 years.

Reproduction

Little is known about the breeding and reproduction of Atilax paludinosus. The marsh mongoose breeds twice a year,

once in the dry season, and once in the wet season. It will usually produce 1 to 3 young per litter. The female will

prepare a nesting chamber consisting of a hole lined with various dry grasses, usually in close proximity to the waters

edge. The young will open their eyes within 9 to 14 days, and will be weaned between 30 to 45 days.

The IUCN has listed Atilax paludinosus as not threatened due to the wide range of habitat available and its growing