These are small-sized predators. The head is small and broad with a short, pointed snout. The color ranges from whitish-gray to dark brown. The animals got their name because of the transverse brown ones on the back and sides.

Social behavior

Most often, striped mongooses are kept in groups of 6 to 20 individuals. Outside of the breeding season, they lead a nomadic lifestyle, moving within a certain territory. The relationship between groups in striped mongooses is extremely aggressive. They inhabit rocky areas, dense thickets of shrubs, usually close to water. They actively defend the borders of their territory from neighboring groups. Active mainly in the morning and evening.

Reproduction

Mongooses are able to breed throughout the year, but most often the rut falls in the spring or summer. Unlike most mongoose species, where the offspring are produced by dominant females, in the group of striped mongooses, the offspring produce the majority of females, which is unusual for most predators. Pregnancy lasts approximately 60 days. From 2 to 4 cubs are born in the litter.

Species and people

Mongooses are easily tamed. They are fearless, affectionate and funny animals. Extremely quick-witted, have a high intelligence.

Interesting Facts

The sound communication of striped mongooses is remarkable and diverse. For contact within the group, while searching for food, a group of mongooses makes an almost continuous sound.

Mongooses have the principle of "all for one – one for all". Thanks to their cohesive behavior, even the stronger savanna predators do not like to mess with them.