Ethiopian dwarf mongoose

The Eastern Dwarf Mongoose or Somalia Mongoose ( Helogale hirtula ) is a little-known carnivore species from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). Together with the much better -researched Southern Zwergmanguste it forms the genus of Zwergmangusten.

Features

Eastern Zwergmangusten reach a body length 20-27 inches, added a 15 to 18 centimeters long tail. Its weight is 220 to 350 grams. Their fur is predominantly gray colored, the face and the abdomen are yellowish. Compared with their southern relatives their fur is longer and shaggy and less reddish, brown and black are her paws. The front paws wear long claws. The head is short, the ears are small and round. The molars are built relatively strong.

Dissemination and lifestyle

Eastern Zwergmangusten are located in eastern Africa. Its distribution area covers the southern and southeastern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and northern and eastern Kenya. Unconfirmed reports of occurrences of this kind are from Djibouti and northern Tanzania. Their habitat is dry grass and bush lands, but no closed forests.

These animals are diurnal and probably live in groups. As Sleeps use termite mounds and crevices. Otherwise, little is known about their way of life.

Endangering

Although their range is fragmented, but there are no major threats known. The IUCN estimates that the total population as stable and lists the species as " not at risk " ( least concern ).