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