Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Dwarf Mongoose

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Dwarf Mongoose
Page 43

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 mongooses 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 mongooses 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, ground squirrel or other rodent that they find still in the nest are quickly consumed. They are slender enough to chase some rodents in their burrows. They will forage in groups spread out over 50 or 60 meters (54-65 yards). They chase and pounce on their victims.

Social System: Dwarf mongooses are a very social species and form groups of between 2 and 20 animals. Groups of eight or more are commonly seen. Females outnumber males. The number of young vary greatly. In the Serengeti, the average pack size is 8.4.

Like wild dogs and spotted hyenas, the pack is hierarchical with a single pair dominant. It is also a matriarchal society with the alpha female. Her mate is especially vigilant and keeps an eye out for predators. Immature males assist in doing sentry duty and select elevated posts from which to watch. This exposes the lookouts to greater danger from predators and as a result, males are more likely to fall victim to predation.

The dominant pair do all of the breeding and other pack members assist in the rearing of their offspring. Even unrelated pack members will help care for the babies. This behavior helps cement their membership into the pack.

Packs have territories that range from a few hectares to 160 hectares (395 acres). In the Serengeti, they average 35 hectares (86 acres). They have the highest density of any African carnivore and may reach 31 per square kilometer (77.5 per square mile) in the best ranges. The range will include 10 to 30 termite mounds that are used as dens and hiding spots.

Behavior: Dwarf mongooses are active only in the daylight hours. Their day begins and ends with the pack sunbathing and socializing at their burrows.

When two packs meet, they will fight and the larger pack usually displaces the smaller one. Such conflicts usually occur around den sites that are located on adjoining borders.

When they are between two and three years old, some pack members will emigrate and attempt to start their own packs or take over others.

Dwarf mongooses will have two or three litters per year. The litter size varies from one to nine. Gestation takes five weeks and the mother will mate again within two to four weeks of birth. Subordinate females will also mate and produce young. Any lactating female will suckle any of the young.

Babies emerge from the den at three or four weeks of age. They are very playful and will wrestle and pounce on each other. Adults will also play. They are weaned when they are almost two months old.

Dwarf mongooses will form "partnerships" with Von der Decken’s hornbills. The hornbills catch and eat insects that the mongoose disturbs. In return, the hornbill acts as a sentry to warn the mongooses of danger.

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

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