White-tailed mongoose
A species of White-tailed mongoose Scientific name : Ichneumia albicauda Genus : White-tailed mongoose
White-tailed mongoose, A species of White-tailed mongoose
Scientific name: Ichneumia albicauda
Genus: White-tailed mongoose
Content
Description General Info
Photo By MCSchaeffer , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
White-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda), also known as white-tailed pneumonia, is a species of predator from the mongoose family (Herpestidae) living in Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
White-tailed mongoose predominantly feeds on small vertebrates and insects. Frequent dietary items include rodents, birds, reptiles and various insect species, showcasing the animal's opportunistic and carnivorously-adapted feeding habits.
Appearance
White-tailed mongoose is a medium-sized mammal with a slender body and a long, bushy tail. Its fur is greyish-brown overall, accentuated by a striking white tail and underside. It has large rounded ears, sharp teeth, and bright, alert eyes. Both genders share similar characteristics, differing only slightly in size.
Behavior
White-tailed mongoose operates primarily nocturnally, with noted leaping and climbing abilities in its arboreal activities. It is a solitary forager, consuming a varied diet including birds, mammals, and invertebrates. This species is known for its unique white tail, which it utilizes for visual communication, with tail movements that signal different states of alarm or aggression.
Population
Stable
Photo By MCSchaeffer , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Mongooses Genus
White-tailed mongoose Species
White-tailed mongoose