H3_W1_003

Date: Feb-15

Location: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Did you know?

The Common Dwarf Mongoose is a mongoose species native to Angola, northern Namibia, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Zambia, and East Africa. With a body length of 16–23 cm (6.3–9.1 in) and a weight of 213–341 g, it is Africa's smallest member of the order Carnivora. The Common Dwarf Mongoose is a diurnal animal. It is a highly social species that lives in extended family groups of two to thirty animals. There is a strict hierarchy among same-sexed animals within a group, headed by the dominant pair (normally the oldest group members). All group members cooperate in helping to rear the pups and in guarding the group from predators.

About the picture

A favourite spot of the Common Dwarf Mongoose is on the top of termite mounds. This helps them get a vantage position over their surroundings as well as provides them with their favourite termites and ants. I was visiting Tarangire National Park in Tanzania when we encountered this beautiful mongoose sitting atop one such mound. The shades of brown seem to pop in the sunlight.

Fun Fact

Common Dwarf Mongoose forge a mutually beneficial relationship with hornbills. They forage together and warn each other if a predator approaches.