Crab-eating mongoose

Krabbenmangusten ( museum specimens )

The Crab-eating ( Herpestes urva ) is a carnivore from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). It occurs in Southeast Asia, and is characterized by a bright neck stripes.

Features

The Crab-eating is a relatively large Mongoose. It reaches a body length of about 44-56 cm, the tail is 26.5 to 34 cm. The weight is about 3-4 kg. The basic color is gray to blackish brown, and the individual hairs are striped light and dark. The outer coat is quite long (at the back about 4-5 cm). Characteristic features are a whitish, about 8-9 cm long neck stripes, a white chin, a grayish throat and a dark chest. The legs are also dark in color, the abdomen, however, relatively bright, the top of the head is speckled white, the muzzle pale yellow. On both sides of the anus are two cherry-sized anal glands. The dentition consists of 40 teeth.

Dental formula:

Subspecies

There are four subspecies of the Crab-eating:

• H. u urva ( Hodgson, 1836) - Nepal to Indochina and the Malay Peninsula
• H. u annamensis ( Bechtold, 1936) - Vietnam
• H. u formosanus ( Bechtold, 1936) - Taiwan
• H. u sinensis ( Bechtold, 1936) - South China and Hainan

Distribution and habitat

The Crab- lived evergreen and deciduous forests, bush areas, wetlands and plantations. Frequently, they are found in the vicinity of water, such as ponds and rivers. The distribution area extends over large parts of Southeast Asia, ranging from Nepal and southern China to the Malay Peninsula. It also occurs on the islands of Taiwan and Hainan. In some areas, such as Taiwan and Laos, the Crab-eating is hunted as a source of meat. In addition, they will be prosecuted for their fur. Nevertheless, the Crab-eating is relatively common and is not endangered by the IUCN as ( "Least Concern" ) classified.

Way of life

The Crab-eating is a typical omnivorous and feeds very versatile. Most of the food consists for example in northern Thailand from crustaceans ( 28%) and insects ( 29%). In addition, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks and worms make up a large portion of food. In contrast, seem about rodents in southern China also to be important prey. Less important are apparently birds, fish and fruits. Overall, relatively little is known about the lifestyle. Krabbenmangusten are supposedly good swimmers and divers, which would benefit them in the hunt for crabs and other aquatic animals. Mostly, however, they move on solid ground on the ground. The animals live solitary in general, but also small groups of up to four animals are sometimes spotted. Here, this mongoose seem diurnal as well as to be nocturnal. During the resting phase, they apparently seek to hide, such as caves. The gestation period is 50-63 days. A litter consists of two to four cubs.