The Egyptian mongoose, aka large grey mongoose or Ichneumon, is a wiley predator who can be both playful as well as vicious. They can be found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. These mongooses prefer forests, savanna, or scrub with a reliable water supply; such as near rivers, streams, swamps, and agricultural land. The Egyptian mongoose is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. But they are subject to hunting, trapping, and habitat destruction.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Herpestes ichneumon
Weight: Up to 5.7 lbs.
Length: Up to 1.9 feet, plus a 1 foot tail
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Egyptian mongooses are primarily diurnal (active during the day) but can sometimes be seen hunting at night (nocturnal).
2.) These critters will either use a natural hide, like rock crevices or thick grass, or they will take over an abandoned burrow. Sometimes even opting to dig their own den.
3.) Like other mongoose species, Egyptian mongooses can swim quite well and readily take to water, for play and to escape predation.
4.) The Egyptian mongeese live in family groups or pairs and cooperatively defend their territories.
5.) When threatened, they will arch their back and raise their fur to look more threatening.
But wait, there’s more on the Egyptian mongoose!
6.) Although not often heard, they can squeak, chatter, and growl.
7.) A group of these critters is called a committee, delegation, troop, mongeese, or mongaggle.
Did you know…?
The Egyptian mongoose’s scientific name came about due to the thought that they look for and eat crocodile eggs. This hypotheses has never been proven.
8.) These creatures consume small mammals, birds, frogs, toads, snakes, fish, insects, crabs, fruit, eggs, and even carrion (dead animals) on occasion.
9.) Larger males are typically polygynous (mating with several females). While smaller males tend to be monogamous (mate with 1 partner).
10.) Females go through up to an 11 month gestation (pregnancy).
But wait, there’s still more on the Egyptian mongoose!
11.) Up to 4 young are born and cared for by mom and dad.
Did you know…?
Even though they are world renown for being snake killers, they are not immune to snake venom. They are just super fast and have amazing reflexes that help them avoid being bitten. If they are bitten, it’s game over.
12.) A young mongoose is called a pup or a mongopoe.
13.) Mongooses open eggs like their hiking a football. They chuck the egg back between their hind legs onto a hard surface to open it up.
14.) In ancient Egypt, the mongoose was considered to be the Pharaoh’s Cat and was not only revered, but housed in temples.
15.) They are preyed on by large cats and birds of prey. Although, they can pretty much hold their own against even lions.
Now a Short Egyptian Mongoose Video!
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