Dwarf mongoose
Helogale parvula
IUCN red list status:
Least Concern
For more informations, please visit iucnredlist.org
Widely distributed from South Africa to Ethiopia.
They are carnivores and will eat a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, termites, worms and grubs. On occasion they will also consume small vertebrates such as rodents, birds and reptiles.
They can have up to 3 litters a year with an average litter size of 4 individuals
They can live up to 10-18 years
Dwarf Mongoose
Dwarf mongoose are the smallest of the mongoose family at 30cm long and are known as 'Africa's smallest carnivore'. Just like meerkats they are social animals and will live in groups from 3 individuals up to 30. There will be a dominant female that organises the group with her mate. They are full of curiosity and have very similar behavioural traits as meerkats such as sentry duty.
Did you know?
They have been known to form 'mutualistic' relationships with other species. They have been seen to forage with hornbills, and it has been observed that if hornbills are absence then mongoose are reluctant to leave their dens. Hornbills will help the mongoose by warning them of potential danger from predators. Whilst the mongoose help disturb flying insects with their foraging that the hornbills will eat.
