Marsh mongoose
A species of Marsh mongoose Scientific name : Atilax paludinosus Genus : Marsh mongoose
Marsh mongoose, A species of Marsh mongoose
Scientific name: Atilax paludinosus
Genus: Marsh mongoose
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Derek Keats , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The marsh mongoose, water mongoose or swamp chichneumon (Atilax paludinosus) is an African type of mongoose that has adapted particularly well to water-related habitats.
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Marsh mongoose primarily subsists on a variety of invertebrates and small mammals. Its diet significantly includes crabs, snails, insects, rodents, and occasionally fruits and vegetation, demonstrating an opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
The marsh mongoose is a medium-sized mammal with a stocky body covered in dense, thick fur. It's primarily brown, with lighter underparts. The head is broad and the tail is short and bushy. The legs have webbed feet, adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. Males and females have similar appearances, with no notable differences. Younger specimens may display a slightly lighter coat color.
Behavior
Marsh mongoose is a nocturnal, solitary creature, predominantly living in marshland habitats. It showcases a unique grooming behavior involving the use of its hind paws. Known for its territoriality, marsh mongoose uses latrines and scent marking for delineating territory. It exhibits a diet-centric behavior, feeding primarily on crustaceans and other small creatures, showcasing adaptation to its marshy habitat.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Derek Keats , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Mongooses Genus
Marsh mongoose Species
Marsh mongoose