For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Yellow Mongoose

Yellow Mongoose are found throughout SA except for the Kwa Zulu Natal coastal area and Kruger National Park in the north east.

Their colour varies greatly in different regions from tawny-yellowish to grizzled-greyish and reddish-yellow in others. There is a seasonal difference with the coat hairs being longer in winter than in summer.

They have 5 digits on their front feet and 4 on back but the first digits are set so far back it does not show in their spoor.




2nd and 5th digit their feet have long claws up to 10mm over the curve.

They give birth in the beginning of summer to litters of 2-4 babies.
Most are distinguished by their white-tipped tail but species found in the north do not have it.

No comments: