photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Ron Fredrick | all galleries >> Africa - 2017 >> Masai Mara, Kenya > Dwarf Mongoose
(Helogale parvula)
previous | next
03-JUN-2017 Ron Fredrick

Dwarf Mongoose
(Helogale parvula)

Masai Mara, Kenya, Africa

This mongoose, along with 8 or 9 other member of its family group, were foraging along the edge of a field.




From Wikipedia: The common dwarf mongoose is a typical mongoose: it has a large
pointed head, small ears, a long tail, short limbs and long claws. The species can be
distinguished from other mongooses by its size. It is much smaller than most other
species
(18 to 28 cm, 210 to 350 grams); in fact, it is Africa's smallest carnivore. The
soft fur is very variable in color, ranging from yellowish red to very dark brown.
The common dwarf mongoose is primarily found in dry grassland, open forests, and
bush land, up to 2,000 m in altitude. It is especially common in areas with many
termite mounds, their favorite sleeping place. The species avoids dense forests and
deserts. The common dwarf mongoose can also be found in the surroundings of
settlements, and can become quite tame. The common dwarf mongoose is a diurnal
animal. It is a highly social species that lives in extended family groups of two to thirty
animals.
There is a strict hierarchy among same-sexed animals within a group, headed by
the dominant pair (normally the oldest group members). All group members cooperate
in helping to rear the pups and in guarding the group from predators. A mutualistic relationship
has evolved between dwarf mongooses and hornbills, in which hornbills seek out the
mongooses in order for the two species to forage together, and to warn each other
of nearby raptors and other predators.



AB2A0737-1_fW.jpg

Canon EOS 7D Mark II ,Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM
1/1000s f/10.0 at 400.0mm iso640 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment