Indian gray mongoose
| Indian Gray Mongoose | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Adult in the wild (Hyderabad, India) | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Herpestidae |
| Subfamily: | Herpestinae |
| Genus: | Herpestes |
| Species: | H. edwardsii |
| Binomial name | |
| Herpestes edwardsii É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818 |
|
 |
|
| Indian gray mongoose range | |
The Indian gray mongoose or common grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is a species of mongoose mainly found in southern Asia mainly India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and some other parts of Asia. The gray mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrublands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, taking shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It is very bold and inquisitive but wary, seldom venturing far from cover. It climbs well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. Along the Chambal River it occasionally feeds on gharial eggs. It breeds throughout the year.
[edit] Description
The Indian grey mongoose, or common grey mongoose, is a medium sized tawny or yellowish grey with a lighter underside, darker feet (this separates it from the syntopic Small Asian Mongoose), and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their heads. Their tail length equals their body length. Body length: 14-17 inches (36-45cm) Tail length: 17 inches (45 cm), weight: 2-4 lb. (0.89-1.7kg). Males are significantly larger than the females. Mongooses can see colors, unlike most mammals, which have only partial color vision.
A mongoose cracks eggs open by standing with its back to a wall and throwing the eggs under its body and between its back legs so that the eggs break against the wall. Indian gray mongooses are often kept as pets to keep houses free from rats and other pests. The mongoose closes its outer ear when hunting in soil to keep out dirt and water.[2]
[edit] Feeding
Being carnivorous it feeds on many species ranging from rat to snake. The mongoose is a skillful hunter that actively searches for prey by using its strong senses of smell and sight. It eats anything it can catch. The Indian gray mongoose commonly eats small mammals such as rats, as well as eggs and a variety of insects, including the scorpion. The mongoose sniffs the ground and turns over rocks and stones in its search for prey. If the animal tries to flee, the mongoose chases it. It kills its prey while they are both running by delivering a bite to the neck or head. Although the mongoose eats snakes, including the poisonous cobra, the main part of its diet consists of small animals that live on or under the ground. The mongoose is a fast and agile hunter. It is always watchful for prey.[3]
-
in Hyderabad, India.
-
-
in Hyderabad, India.
-_is_it-_at_Hyderabad,_AP_W_106.jpg)
-_is_it-_at_Hyderabad,_AP_W_101.jpg)
[edit] References
- ^ Choudhury, A., Wozencraft, C., Muddapa, D., Yonzon, P., Jennings, A. & Geraldine, V. (2011). "Herpestes edwardsii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41611. Retrieved 18 January 2012. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
- ^ Did you know about Indian Gray Mongoose http://ladywildlife.com/animals/indiangraymongoose.html
- ^ Ladywidlife's Indian Grey Mongoose http://ladywildlife.com/animals/indiangraymongoose.html
 |
This article about a carnivoran is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
