(mongooses)

Herpestidae

There are 34 species in this family. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe, but they have been introduced all over the world. Mongoose have long bodies; small heads; pointed snouts; short, rounded ears; and long tails. Most species are gray or brown. Most species in this family eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, eggs, and insects. They strike their prey quickly and are well-known for their ability to kill poisonous snakes without getting bitten. The species in this family are found in a wide-variety of habitats from forests to deserts. Some species live in colonies, other species are more solitary. Some species in this family are semi-aquatic and other species are at home in trees.

Herpestidae Genera

Herpestidae General Resources

Atilax (marsh mongoose)

Bdeogale (mongooses)

Crossarchus (cusimanses)

Cynictis (yellow mongoose)

Dologale (Pousargues's mongoose)

Galerella (slender mongooses)

Helogale (dwarf mongooses)

Herpestes (mongooses)

Ichneumia (white-tailed mongoose)

Liberiictis (Liberian mongoose)

Mungos (banded mongoose, Gambian mongoose)

Paracynictis (Selous's mongoose)

Rhynchogale (Meller's mongoose)

Suricata (meerkat)