Indian Gray Mongoose
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| Indian Gray Mongoose | ||||||||||||||||
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| Herpestes edwardsii É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818 |
The Indian Gray Mongoose or Common Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is a species of mongoose found in southern India. The gray mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrub lands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, taking shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It is very bold and inquisitive but wary, seldom venturing far from cover. It climbs well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. Along the Chambal river it occasionally feeds on gharial eggs. It breeds throughout the year.
[edit] Description
The Indian grey mongoose, or common grey mongoose is a medium sized tawny or yellowish grey with a lighter underside, darker feet (this separates it from the sympatric Small Asian Mongoose), and dark red tail tip. They have a reddish tint to their heads. Their tail length equals their body length. Body length: 14-17 inches (36-45cm) Tail length: 17 inches (45 cm), weight: 2-4 lb. (0.89-1.7kg). Males are significantly larger than the females
[edit] References
- ^ Choudhury, A., Wozencraft, C., Muddapa, D., Yonzon, P., Jennings, A. & Geraldine, V. (2008). Herpestes edwardsii. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 22 March 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
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