Dwarf Mongoose

Afrikaans name: Dwergmuishond

The Dwarf Mongoose is normally seen in small groups

Photo © Steven Herbert

Helogale parvula

Interesting facts about Dwarf Mongooses

The Dwarf Mongoose is sometimes referred to as the Common Dwarf Mongoose. I am sure that you can figure out that its name comes from its small size but did you know that it is Africa's smallest carnivore?

This mongoose eats mainly insects such as termites, beetles and grasshoppers. It might also eat fallen fruit and small reptiles if there is a chance.

Dwarf Mongooses are found in drier more open areas, but not deserts. Areas with termite mounds are a particular favourite as they like to burrow into them.

Male and females are a similar size. They weigh up to 350 grams.

They are social creatures and will normally be seen in a group. They are active during the day.

References and further reading

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

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 65

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 106

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 104

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

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 162

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 83

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 82

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 87

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 7

Predators of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Grobler, Hall-Martin & Walker - Published: 2012 - Page: 73

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 199

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 39

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 58

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 174

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 130

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 307

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 112

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

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 84

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 140

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 264

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 140

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 41

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 84

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 110

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 49

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 212

SANBI

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List of South African Mammals

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