Egyptian mongoose

Appeared in Egyptian paintings from 300 B.C., it is known as “Pharaoh’s cat” and is considered a holy animal that is housed in temples

Assaf Levy


Egyptian mongoose

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Appeared in Egyptian paintings from 300 B.C., it is known as “Pharaoh’s cat” and is considered a holy animal that is housed in temples

Population

A marvel of the animal kingdom found throughout a wide range of habitats in Africa and some parts of Southern Europe and the Middle East. Known for its long, slender body and short limbs, the Egyptian mongoose often gives the illusion of a reptile from a distance. This visual trickery is further enhanced by its shaggy, silvery gray coat adorned with pale and dark hair bands. At the same time, its underparts display a paler hue, providing camouflage within its natural surroundings.

The Egyptian mongoose is a diurnal creature, preferring the daylight hours for most of its activities, though it is uncommon to exhibit nocturnal behaviors. Various factors influence its activity patterns, including the search for food and the need to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Typically, it forages during the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon, embarking on solitary ventures or moving in pairs to hunt.

The diet of the Egyptian mongoose is remarkably diverse, showcasing its ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. It feeds on a wide array of prey, including small mammals, snakes, birds, frogs, toads, crabs, fishes, and insects. This mongoose also has a particular affinity for fruits and will not hesitate to consume carrion when the opportunity arises. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of its dietary habits is its method of consuming eggs, a favorite delicacy. The Egyptian mongoose has developed a unique technique to access the nutritious contents of an egg without the need for sharp tools. It skillfully throws the egg between its hind limbs against a hard surface, such as a rock or a wall, to crack it open.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Algeria
2016
Angola
2016
Benin
2016
Botswana
2016
Burkina Faso
2016
Burundi
2016
Cameroon
2016
Central Af. Rep.
2016
Chad
2016
Congo-Brazzaville
2016
Côte D’ivoire
2016
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
2016
Djibouti
2016
Presence Uncertain
Egypt
2016
Eritrea
2016
Eswatini
2016
Presence Uncertain
Ethiopia
2016
Gabon
2016
Gambia
2016
Ghana
2016
Guinea-Bissau
2016
Guinea
2016
Israel
2016
Jordan
2016
Kenya
2016
Lebanon
2016
Liberia
2016
Libya
2016
Malawi
2016
Mali
2016
Mauritania
2016
Morocco
2016
Mozambique
2016
Namibia
2016
Niger
2016
Nigeria
2016
Portugal
2016
Rwanda
2016
Senegal
2016
Sierra Leone
2016
Somalia
2016
South Africa
2016
Spain
2016
Sudan
2016
Syria
2016
Tanzania
2016
Togo
2016
Tunisia
2016
Turkey
2016
Uganda
2016
Zambia
2016
Zimbabwe
2016

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No