Mammal / Herpestes edwardsii

Grey Mongoose

LC

Lowest risk

Native

The Indian grey mongoose is a mongoose species native to the Indian subcontinent and West Asia. The grey mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrublands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, and takes shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It is very bold and inquisitive but wary, seldom venturing far from cover. It climbs very well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. Along the Chambal River it occasionally feeds on gharial eggs. It breeds throughout the year.

Range length
73 to 81 cm
Breeding interval
Indian gray mongooses breeds two to three times a year.
Breeding season
Copulation occurs in March, August and October.
Range number of offspring
2 to 4
Range gestation period
60 to 65 days
Average lifespan
Status: wild
7 years
Range lifespan
Status: captivity
12 (high) years
Average lifespan
Status: wild
7 years

Graham, E. 2004. "Herpestes edwardsi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 10, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Herpestes_edwardsi/

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