Common dwarf mongoose: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 01:07, 17 January 2020

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The '''common dwarf mongoose''' (''Helogale parvula''), is mammal.Alsoalso called the '''dwarf mongoose''', is a small [[Africa]]n [[Carnivora|carnivore]] belonging to the [[mongoose]] family (Herpestidae). It is part of the genus [[Helogale]] and as such related to ''Helogale hirtula''.

==Physical characteristics==

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 carnivorous mammal. The soft fur is very variable in color, ranging from yellowish red to very dark brown.

==Distribution and habitat==

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.

[[Image:Dwarf mongoose1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Dwarf mongoose from the Sabi Sands region of South Africa.]] The species ranges from [[East Africa|East]] to southern [[Central Africa]], from [[Eritrea]] and [[Ethiopia]] to the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the Republic of South Africa.

[[File:Dwarf mongoose1.jpg|thumb|left|From the Sabi Sands region of South Africa]]

[[Image:Dwarf mongoose1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Dwarf mongoose from the Sabi Sands region of South Africa.]] The species ranges from [[East Africa|East]] to southern [[Central Africa]], from [[Eritrea]] and [[Ethiopia]] to the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the Republic of South Africa.

==Subspecies==

*''Helogale parvula parvula''

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==Behaviour==

[[ImageFile:Helogale_parvula,_Serengeti.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Common dwarf mongoose inIn the Serengeti]]

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.