Species

By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68494474

Mungos mungo

Sturdy with a large head, small ears, short muscular limbs and a long tail. The fur is gray-brown and black with several dark brown or black horizontal stripes across the back. The limbs and snout are darker than the body with the underside lighter. They have long claws. They live in packs of 10-20 individuals and is likely matriarichal. Packs care for their young, disabled and elderly.

Range: East, southeast and south-central Africa.

Habitat: Savanna, open forest and grassland.

Size: 30-45 cm (11.8 to 18 in); 1.5-2.25 kg (3.3 to 5 lbs)

Life Span: 10 years in the wild; 15-17 years in captivty.

Feeding: Primarily insectivores, but they have been known to eat small mammals, reptiles, birds and eggs.

Reproduction: Promiscuous. Sexual maturity is reached around 9-10 months of age for females. While dominant males monitor females, females will readily mate with other males in the group. Gestation lasts 60-70 days with two to six pups. Pups are guarded by a single helper to minimize competition over food and guard them on foraging trips.

Conservation Status: Least concern. Adapt readily to captivity as long as diet and social groups are met.

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