Helogale parvula

Length: 18-28 cm (7-11")

Tail: 14-19 cm (5.5-7.4")

Weight: 210-350 g (.5-.8 lb.)

Status: not endangered, common

Habitat: Dwarf mongoose are found in the warmer areas of East and Central Africa below 2 000 meters (6,562 feet). They are found in savannas, thickets and woodlands. A definite preference for areas with lots of termite mounds (termitaries) is shown.

This species avoids dry, open country.

Food: Dwarf mongoose eat invertebrates; crickets, grasshoppers, termites, scorpions and spiders. They will also feed on birds’ eggs, birds, lizards and small rodents. The young of a grass rat or other rodent that they find still in the nest are quickly consumed.

Predators: Birds of prey and snakes are the main predators on this species.