Large Grey
Mongoose or Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes
ichneumon)
 Description: The Large Grey mongoose
has a longer head and body than most other mongoose species and shorter
legs. It is usually dark grey on the whole body with black limbs. The
tail is coarse and has long hairs as the base making the tail look
tuft-like.
Size: Total length
ranges from 1.1m, the tail averages 52cm and males weigh anywhere from
2.6-4.1kg, females can be slightly smaller but are usually around the
same weight.
Habitat: This
mongoose frequents river banks, dams, lakes and swamps. They prefer
dense cover of riparian areas.
Behavior: Active
during the day, the Large Grey mongoose is relatively solitary, with
females normally forming bonds with other females when there is young
to be taken care of. When threatened the Large Grey mongoose will puff
up its fur to look bigger.
Diet: Small rodents
make up the bulk of the diet as well as adders, insects, frogs and
occasionally grass. There have also been reports of the Large Grey
mongoose raiding poultry and possibly going after lambs.
Predators: Leopard,
caracal and raptors prey on the Large Grey mongoose
Reproduction:
Gestation lasts 60 days and litters can range anywhere from 1-4 young.
The young will forage with the mother from approx. 72 days and will
stay within the family group for a year.
On Wildcliff:
Captured in a mammal trap during the August 2008 trapping study.
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