Helogale

Southern Dwarf Mongoose ( Helogale parvula )

The Zwergmangusten ( Helogale ) are a genus of mammal of the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). They are the smallest members of their family and widespread in eastern and southern Africa. The genus includes two species: the Eastern Dwarf Mongoose ( Helogale hirtula ) and the Southern Dwarf Mongoose ( Helogale parvula ).

Features

Zwergmangusten reach a body length 19-27 centimeters, to which another 15 to 18 centimeters long tail comes. The weight lies between 200 and 400 grams. The coat color is variable, but usually gray or brown. The coat of the Southern Zwergmanguste is redder and less hairy than that of the Eastern Dwarf Mongoose. The head is short, pointed snout. The paws wear long adapted to digging claws.

Dissemination and lifestyle

Zwergmangusten live in eastern and southern Africa. While the Eastern Dwarf Mongoose is occupied a relatively small area and more adapted to dry habitats, the Southern Zwergmanguste is spread over large parts of the continent and is found in a variety of habitats.

Zwergmangusten are diurnal and live in groups. They prefer to sleep back in burrows, crevices or termite mounds. While on the habits of the Eastern Dwarf Mongoose hardly anything is known, the lifestyle of Southern Zwergmanguste been extensively, particularly by Anne Rasa, researched and described in her book " The Perfect Family " in detail.

The Southern Zwergmanguste shows a complex social behavior: It lives in groups of around 9 to 12 members, led by a dominant female. Only the dominant pair of a group attests junior, the propagation of the remaining animals is suppressed either hormonally or the newborn are killed by the dominant female. The other group members participate in the rearing of the young.

Southern Zwergmangusten feed primarily on insects, in addition they also eat other small animals, as well as bird eggs and small vertebrates. The food of the Eastern Dwarf Mongoose is not known.

Hazardous situation

Both types of Zwergmangusten are classified according to the World Conservation Union IUCN as not threatened (Least Concern ).