Stripe-necked mongoose

Halsstreifenmanguste ( Herpestes vitticollis )

The Halsstreifenmanguste ( Herpestes vitticollis ) is a carnivore from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). It occurs in southern India and Sri Lanka. It owes its name to the distinct black neck stripe.

Features

Halsstreifenmangusten are relatively large mongoose with characteristic, long guard hairs and an eye-catching, black neck strips on both sides of the body. You can reach a mature body length of about 50 cm and a tail length of around 30 cm. Here, animals from the Indian mainland are on average slightly larger than representative in Sri Lanka. On the mainland males weigh up to 3.4 kg, females to 2.7 kg. In Sri Lanka, the maximum weights of 3.1 kg ( males ) and 1.7 kg ( females ). The head is steel-gray to reddish brown, the front part is reddish - yellow, mottled brown case, the rear lot more orange - red. The underside is generally rather yellowish, reddish brown feet, however, the tail tip is black. The dentition consists of 40 teeth.

Dental formula:

Subspecies

There are two subspecies of Halsstreifenmanguste:

• H. v. vitticollis ( Bennett, 1835) - South-Western India and Sri Lanka
• H. v. inornatus ( Pocock, 1941) - Western India ( Karnataka )

Distribution and habitat

The Halsstreifenmanguste occurs in a very small distribution area in southwestern India and the island of Sri Lanka. The species inhabits evergreen and deciduous forests. They are also found in marshy areas and along rivers, also in plantations and bush areas. In Sri Lanka it seems to colonize dry forests of the lower altitudes. You can see the Halsstreifenmanguste rare in the vicinity of settlements or in intensive cultivated tracts of land. In the mountains it is verified up to a height of 2133 m.

The Halsstreifenmanguste is still widespread in their very limited distribution area and probably available in larger population numbers. Also, it occurs in several protected areas. The species is therefore classified by the IUCN as endangered not ( "Least Concern" ). In India, it is rare to find in the northern parts of the range than in the south. Most commonly it is here in Kerala, on the Nilgiri and Palani plateau, and in the Meghamalai and Annamalai mountains. In Sri Lanka it seems to be quite common in the mountainous and hilly countries. Also in the south in the area of the Menik Ganga River ( Moneragala District ) and in the Kalutara district, it is not rare. However, the particular stocks in Sri Lanka appear to be declining. In addition to direct hunting for their fur and meat production the Halsstreifenmanguste is threatened mainly by habitat destruction.

Way of life

Little is known about the habits and ecology of Halsstreifenmanguste. The animals seem to be predominantly diurnal loner. Sometimes they occur, however, in pairs. They feed manifold of small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles, insects and plant foods, such as roots. Also, crustaceans, frogs and fish could belong to food, as can be seen frequently hunt to water the animals. In addition Halsstreifenmangusten eat carrion of larger animals and has them watched while eating Sambarhirschen. Little is known about the reproductive behavior. A throw is probably from two to three boys who are initially well hidden in shelters such as crevices.