Slender Mongoose

Afrikaans name: Swartkwasmuishond

Slender Mongoose

Photo © Steven Herbert

Galerella sanguinea

Interesting facts about the Slender Mongoose

The tail of the Slender Mongoose is tipped black which is why it is sometimes referred to as the Black-tipped Mongoose, or the Black-tailed Mongoose. The Black-tipped Mongoose sounds the right name for me, but we will stick to the popular name of Slender Mongoose. They are around 20 to 30 cm in length with the tail adding another 30 cm.

This species is very widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. In fact it is so common that around 50 sub-species have been identified. Their main habitat preference is savanna.

The Slender Mongoose is carnivorous and eats a wide variety of food items. Lizards, eggs, birds, snakes, insects, fruit and many others are on the menu.

The female normally gives birth to two young.

Most often you will see the Slender Mongoose by itself but it may be seen in pairs as well. In some parts of the country it is often seen running across the road only to disappear into the grass the other side.

Mongoose baring its teeth

Photo © Steven Herbert

Slender Mongoose near Skukuza Camp in Kruger National Park

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 102

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 204

Wild About Johannesburg - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 1995 - Page: 22

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 96

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 62

The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 32

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 2 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 69

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 326

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 81

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 152

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 79

Predators of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Grobler, Hall-Martin & Walker - Published: 2012 - Page: 69

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 85

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 160

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 124

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 303

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 418

Guide to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park - Author: Gus Mills and Clem Haagner - Published: 1996 - Page: 60

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 79

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 138

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 256

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 138

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 87

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 50

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 202

Wikipedia

---

Top

List of South African Mammals

Is a Meerkat a Mongoose?