Dwarf Mongoose

## About

A dwarf mongoose.

The dwarf mongoose ***(Helogale parvula)*** as its name suggests, is the smallest species of mongoose as well as the smallest member of Carnivora in Africa. Dwarf mongooses are coated with tanish-brown short soft fur, with small black claws used for digging burrows. Dwarf mongooses also have very recognisable eyes which unlike any other carnivores, are horizontal similar to a herbivorous animal. The reasoning for their strange pupils is to allow themselves a wider panoramic vision aiding in their escape if being pursued, this is an adaptation unique to mongooses among all carnivores. Compared to the rest of its body the dwarf mongoose has quite a large head and ears. Being the smallest mongoose species, they can grow up to be 18-28cm (7.1-11.0in) and weigh a very light 210-350gr (14-23g).

## Diet

The dwarf mongoose preys upon common insects such as beetles, grasshoppers and their larvae. Dwarf mongooses will also not hesitate to consume fruits or small vertebrates. Most interesting of all, dwarf mongooses have been known to work mutualistically with the eastern yellow-billed hornbill ***(Tockus flavirostris)*** to capture prey. Sometimes mongooses will also team up with other species of hornbill, such as the Van der Decken's hornbill ***(Tockus deckeni)***. Whilst the hornbill stands lookout in order to spot predators, the mongooses will run through the long grasses in turn, making prey items for the hornbill to show themselves. If a bird of prey is to appear in the hornbill's vicinity, it will produce a loud alarm call alerting the mongooses to urgently get back to their burrows. Together the species will often hunt their favourite food, being the giant African land snail ***(Achatina fulica)***.

## Conservation Status

The dwarf mongoose is recorded as least concern by the IUCN. This classification signifies that there is no need for drastic measures to ensure the survival of the dwarf mongoose. Humans do not threaten his species of mongoose, which has lead to very few man-made problems for the dwarf mongoose.

## Range and Population

Dwarf mongooses have an unknown population number but their range is large and vast, making it very apparent that their population is stable and healthy. These mongooses inhabit the grasslands and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, in countries as far South as Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, as well as countries as far north as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Somalia. Dwarf mongooses prefer to live in dry grasslands and rocky outcrops compared to more forested environments.

## Behaviour

As discussed in the Diet section of this article, dwarf mongooses share a mutualistic relationship with some species of hornbill. Other than this characteristic, dwarf mongooses are very social animals that can live in groups with up to 30 members. Dwarf mongooses are also territorial and will defend their burrows fiercely at times, this is a trait shared by all mongoose species. Dwarf mongooses will partake in cooperative breeding, unlike other mongoose species like meerkats ***(Suricatta suricata)*** who will only have one dominant breeder.

### Relationship with Humans

As mentioned previously in the Conservation Status section of this article, humans are not dangerously effecting the populations of the dwarf mongoose drastically. Dwarf mongooses are however quite protective of their homes, not allowing humans to come too close for comfort.

## In Captivity

Many zoos house dwarf mongooses and are in particular, displayed often in North American zoos. Some of the zoos that exhibit dwarf mongooses include: the San Diego Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Lincoln-Park Zoo and the Saint Louis Zoo. Some international zoos also exhibit dwarf mongooses such as Chester Zoo and Adelaide Zoo to name a few.

## Sources

* South African National Biodiversity Institute - https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/dwarf-mongoose/
* Dwarf mongoose | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common\_dwarf\_mongoose
* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41609/45206516