Mongoose Mongoose

Striped cervical mongoose ^[1] ( lat. Herpestes vitticollis ) is a species of animal of the genus mongoose ( Herpestes ).

Mongoose Mongoose
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animals Type of: Chordate Grade: Mammals Squad: Predatory Family: Mongoose Gender: Mongooses View: Mongoose Mongoose
Latin name
Herpestes vitticollis Bennett , 1835
Area

Security status Least Concerned IUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 41619

The species is common in southwestern India and in Sri Lanka . In Sri Lanka it is found from high hills to lowlands at an altitude of 400 to 1400 meters (was found up to 2200 meters) above sea level. Lives in deciduous and evergreen forests, swampy clearings, plantations, open shrubs, along rivers, as well as in rice fields, rarely seen in disturbed areas or near human settlements ^[2] .

Daytime view. It feeds on small mammals, birds, bird eggs, reptiles, fish, insects, larvae and roots. The typical size of the offspring in captivity is two or three, life expectancy is almost 13 years ^[2] .

There are no serious threats to the species. The main threats at the local level are hunting and trade. Animals are hunted for the meat that several tribes eat, and for the sake of his hair, used to make shaving brushes, paint brushes and good luck amulets. It is also regularly killed by hunting dogs. Another threat is habitat loss. Lives in many protected areas throughout the range ^[2] .