There are eight species of mongoose found in Kruger National Park, the most common being the dwarf, banded and slender mongooses. Kruger scientists estimating that for every 100 square kilometres there are 668 mongooses.
They use termite mounds for shelter and feed mostly on insects. The rarest mongoose in Kruger is Selous's mongoose, which is found only in the Shingwedzi area in the north.
Slender Mongoose (Galerella sanguinea)
Characteristics
Most common mongoose in Victoria Falls area; lives singly or in pairs, very long tail with conspicuous black tip.
Food
Rodents, snakes and reptiles, birds' eggs, insects and sometimes wild fruit.
Where best to see them in Kruger
Variety of habitats throughout Kruger.
Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)
Characteristics
Very social, noisy, brown-grey animals that live in packs of about 20 individuals; very active during the day, disappearing quickly when alarmed.
Food
Mostly insects but also rodents, reptiles, birds, eggs, fruit and berries.
Where best to see them in Kruger
Open dry savanna of eastern Kruger.
Dwarf Mongoose (Helogale parvula)
Characteristics
Smallest of the African mongooses; very social, diurnal animals living in groups of between 8 and 20 individuals; very curious nature; seeks refuge in hollow logs or holes in termitaria.
Food
Mostly insects but also birds, eggs, millipedes, scorpions, small reptiles and wild fruits.
Where best to see them in Kruger
Dry savanna and mixed woodlands.
Illustration: Chip Snaddon
