What is a Banded Mongoose?
Banded mongooses are social animals and live in large family groups that can range from 10 to 30 mongooses. The banded mongoose is so named because it has a distinctive white band of fur around its middle and sometimes on its head and tail. Unlike other mongooses, the banded mongoose usually lives in colonies, and each colony has between two and five breeding females. Banded mongooses are found in southern and east Africa, from the Cote d’Ivoire to Tanzania and from Uganda to the eastern part of South Africa.
Characteristics of a Banded Mongoose
The banded mongoose is a small mammal, with an average length and weight of about 16-22 inches (41-56 cm) and 8-9 pounds (4-4.5 kg). Its fur is short and coarse, light to dark brown with a white band on its mid-section. This band can be either bold or faint, and can sometimes even cover the whole body. It has a long, pointed snout and small ears. The mongoose is a ground dweller, living in burrows that are dug into the ground.
The Diet of a Banded Mongoose
The diet of a banded mongoose consist of a variety of insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds, eggs, crabs and occasionally fruits. They will also scavenge any meat they can find. Banded mongooses hunt and forage in small groups and can often be seen chasing insects or patrolling their territory. They also maintain special sentinels that stay on the look out for predators or intruders.
Behavior of a Banded Mongoose
Banded mongooses are very social animals and live in large family groups. In these groups, each mongoose knows its place in the family hierarchy and will give respect to elders, as well as defend and protect the group from intruders. The group is lead by a dominant adult female, and there is an elaborate system of communication, including vocalizations and scent marking. They are highly territorial and will fight to protect their territories from other mongooses and predators.
Can You Pet a Banded Mongoose?
While it is possible to pet a banded mongoose, it is not recommended. Mongooses can be unpredictable, and they can carry disease and parasites. For example, they can carry rabies, which can be fatal to humans if not handled properly. They also have a powerful bite and can cause serious wounds. Furthermore, they are quite fragile and can easily be injured accidentally through rough handling. It is best to admire them from afar and leave the petting to the professionals.