Ruddy mongoose
A species of Common mongooses Scientific name : Herpestes smithii Genus : Common mongooses
Ruddy mongoose, A species of Common mongooses
Scientific name: Herpestes smithii
Genus: Common mongooses
Content
Description General Info
Photo By T. R. Shankar Raman , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Indian red mongoose (Herpestes smithii) is a species of predator from the mongoose family (Herpestidae). It occurs in India and Sri Lanka. Little is known about their way of life.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Ruddy mongoose primarily feeds on insects, notably beetles and ants. It is also known to consume small mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as occasional plant matter, demonstrating its omnivorous dietary habits.
Appearance
Ruddy mongoose is a medium-sized creature with a slender body covered in dense, velvety fur. It dons a dominant grey upper body, contrasting with its paler, yellowish underparts. Notable features include its elongated snout, small rounded ears, and a bushy tail. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may be slightly larger.
Behavior
Ruddy mongoose is a solitary, diurnal species. Its distinctive behaviors include an agile climbing ability, quick digging prowess for foraging or escaping threats, and marking territories by scent-dragging its anal gland. Known for their active grooming and hunting during daylight hours, ruddy mongoose's survival skillset is well-suited to its natural, woodland environments.
Photo By T. R. Shankar Raman , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Mongooses Genus
Common mongooses Species
Ruddy mongoose