MONGOOSE = Herpestes inchneumon

Order                         = Carnivora

Family                        = Herpestidae

Length of body            = 45 cm

Length of tail              = 20 cm

The mongoose is a very active and lively carnivore. In Jordan they are found in forests and in areas of extensive olive groves. They are nocturnal animals which feed on small mammals, reptiles, birds, eggs and insects. While searching for mice - its preferred food - they approach villages and farms where they can sometimes be seen digging up mouse holes to force the creatures out. Using their ability to dig, they sometimes attempt to steal poultry, and because of this, they are disliked by farmers and country peo­ple. They kill by biting their prey at the back of the neck.

The mongoose has a reputation for its prowess in killing snakes. It will attack a snake twice its own size. When facing a snake, the mongoose re­mains still and very alert showing its sharp teeth. It waits attentively for the snake to strike. When it does so, the mongoose leaps out of range with re­markable speed. Then the mongoose attacks, seizes the snake behind the head, and shakes it vigorously until it is dead.

The mongoose was hunted and trapped mercilessly, it was believed to be a pest and described as cunning and vicious. But in fact, the mongoose is useful to Man because of the skill with which it preys on rodents and snakes.

The female gives birth twice a year. She has a litter of four to ten off­spring.