JSLENDER MONGOOSE

Galerella sanguinea

description
range&habitat
behavior
reproduction
photo
diet

•  RANGE & HABITAT:

•   The Slender Mongoose can be found throughout the open woodland savannahs and plains of the central regions of South Africa.  They will live on dry hills, in thick vegetation, or open plains.   They make dens in rock mounds and crevices and hollow trees. Slender Mongooses have NOT been found in extreme deserts.

• DESCRIPTION:

     Typically weighing around 12-32 oz, the Slender Mongoose is one of the smallest mongooses.  It has a long body, around 27.5-40cm, and short legs.  Slender Mongooses are red, grey, or yellow in color and sometimes speckled.  Fur is lighter on the underside of the body.  Slender Mongooses seem to have finer and softer fur than other the other mongoose species.

• DIET:

    Slender Mongooses are opportunistic omnivores.  The are mostly carnivorous; eating rodents, birds, small reptiles and invertebrates.  They will sometimes eat fruits. 

• BEHAVIOR:

    The Slender Mongoose is typically solitary, although they will live in pairs. If seen in groups, it is typically a mother with her young.   Occasionally, groups of up to four males will defend a territory.   Slender Mongooses are diurnal and arboreal; sleeping in their dens during the hottest part of the day.   Slender Mongooses are very adept at climbing trees and will climb down headfirst, unlike other mongooses. Slender Mongooses go into their dens to escape extreme weather and to rest.   Scent marking is important to the Slender Mongoose.  They will use their anal glands to mark territories.

• REPRODUCTION:

    The Slender Mongoose reaches sexual maturity around 1 to 2 years of age.  Females raise their young with no parental care from the male. T Gestation takes between 60 - 70 days.  Normally Slender Mongooses have 2 young per litter.

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        Additional Information Links:

•  Mongoose Video

• Animal Diversity web page

For more information email the Small Carnivore Tag Education Liaison

Page created by Katie Mixon October 2005