Dwarf mongoose
Helogale Parvula
IUCN Status: Least concern
Diet
Insects are most commonly eaten however they will eat small mammals, eggs and fruit occasionally.
Breeding
The dominant female of the group often has three litters a year, usually between November and May. The average litter size is four and the young forage with the rest of the group at around six months old. They are not ready to mate until about three years old.
At The Zoo
We have two very elderly and sedate individuals who spend most of their time curled up asleep under their heat lamps in their environment (much like an elderly human in his favourite armchair in the warm). They come to life for their insect treats but soon retire to bliss of warmth and sleep!
Habitat
Found in Ethiopia to Angola and eastern South Africa they inhabit savannah, woodlands, brush country and mountain scrub.
Fun Facts
The smallest species of the mongoose family. Africa’s smallest carnivore! Quick, curious and intelligent this species often seeks out hornbills to mutually feed and guard during the day!
Behaviour
Group are made up of a dominate female and her mate who are first and second in command. Their youngest offspring are next in rank and therefore more dominant to the rest of the group but within the age ranges females are always more dominant. The dominant pair are the only ones to breed whilst the rest of the group help with babysitting and nursing the young.