Mongoose

The mongoose is a small cat-like carnivore native to most parts of Africa and certain areas of southern Europe and Asia. They were introduced to several other areas to help control rat and other pest populations, which usually proved detrimental to local plant and animal species.

There are 35 known species of mongoose and although size and appearance varies among species, they all have small, pointed faces with rounded ears. Their bodies are long and tubular with short legs and long, tapering tails. Most have brown or gray grizzled fur and some species are marked with stripes.

Mongooses can occupy a variety of habitats, depending on species. Most are land-dwelling, but some species are semi-aquatic or arboreal. Some species, such as the meerkat live in large social groups, while others are solitary animals.

All mongooses are carnivorous, although some will include vegetable matter in their diets. They subsist mostly on insects, crabs, eggs, small lizards, birds and mammals.

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