Photo
from: Animal
Pictures Archive
Small
Indian Mongoose (Eng.), Mangosta (Sp.), Herpestes
auropunctatus
Information
compiled by Alan
Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF
General
Information:
The
Small Indian Mongoose was first brought to Puerto Rico
from the Malay Peninsula in 1877 in an attempt to control
the Black rat (Rattus rattus) infestation of the
sugar cane plantations. It should be noted that the rats
were also “immigrants” to the island, having initially
arrived with Columbus’ and subsequent Spanish ships!
Description:
The
Small Indian Mongoose has a head and body length of 9 to 25 inches
(230 to 650 millimeters) and a tail length of 9 to 20 inches (230 to
510 millimeters). It weighs from 14 ounces to 30 pounds (0.4 to 4 kilograms).
Coloration varies, but the local species is a grayish brown. The underbody
is lighter than the back and sides. The fur is long and coarse. The
body is slender with a long tail. There are five digits on each limb,
with the hind foot bare of fur to the heel and the foreclaws sharp
and curved. Females have 4 mammae.
Habits:
The
mongoose may be either diurnal or nocturnal. Basically a terrestrial
animal, they are very agile, and can climb skillfully. During the morning
they frequently stretch-out in the open to sun themselves. They feed
on insects, frogs, snakes, birds, and other small animals as well as
fruits. Mongooses breed throughout the year producing up to 5 litters
in 18 months. Gestation period is 42 days. Litters contain from 1 to
4 young that are weaned in 4 to 5 weeks. Mongooses are reported to
live up to 20 years.
Habitat:
The
mongoose shelters in hollow logs or trees, holes in the ground (dens)
or rock crevices. The individual home-ranging diameter of a male is
1 mile (1.6 kilometers) and ˝ mile (0.8 kilometer) for a female.
Look
for it in the EYNF:
Mongooses
can be found throughout the forest; along the roads
and trails and occasionally in the parking lots
of the Yokahu Tower Site and the Palo Colorado
Site.
Additional
Information:
Nowak,
Ronald M., 1991, Walker’s Mammals of the World, 5th edition,
Johns Hopkins University press, Baltimore, Maryland,
USA
Mowbray, Alan M.,
2002, El Yunque National Forest Palo Colorado Interpretive Guide,
Dept. of Agriculture, U. S. Forest Service, Palmer, Puerto Rico
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