BANDED MONGOOSE WRITTEN BY LEIGHA, KELSEY AND JENSON

APPEARANCE In most cases, the Banded Mongoose is brown with dark brown or black stripes on their back. Also, its tail is 15-30cm long. In some cases, its tail is nearly half its body length (30-45cm). These species have a large head and small ears. A BANDED MONGOOSE IS PART OF THE MONGOOSE FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES MEERKATS, DWARF MONGOOSES AND MALAGASY MONGOOSES.

DIET Banded mongooses have a varied diet which includes insects, reptiles, rodents, as well as fruit and eggs.

HABITAT Generally, Banded Mongooses around in Africa, more specifically in termite mounds, grasslands, savannahs and forests. Often living in groups of 7-40, they usually share a den.

OTHER FACTS In captivity, Banded Mongooses could live up to 12 years old. When they are old enough, they can give birth to 2-5 pups at a time, which are kept underground for the first four weeks of their life. Then, when they are allowed above ground, an adult helps to train them so they can find prey on their own. However, they still need to be observant due to its many predators, such as jackals, snakes and hyenas.