At Londolozi, we are lucky enough to see a wide variety of mammals, from the giant elephants who have been around for years to the tiny bushveld gerbil that we only ever see in a fleeting glimpse flying over the road. From my point of view, one of the most amusing species is on the smaller end of the spectrum, the dwarf mongoose.
Being the smallest carnivores in Africa doesn’t hold back these ferocious predators, that will feed on anything they can overpower. Sometimes relying on the collective efforts of the family group, in these efforts, they have been known to bring down and consume snakes, birds, and large lizards. Imagine that, but just shows you what teamwork can do, no matter how small you are.
Dwarf mongooses are highly social animals that can live in groups consisting of up to 30 animals, often seen scurrying through the grass in hot pursuit of the next meal. Lead by an Alpha pair, pretty similar to the wild dogs. This pair is often the biggest, strongest, and most dominant of the group and takes on the reproductive responsibilities of the group. Ensuring that the better genes are passed on and that the group will thrive for years to come.
Londolozi’s smallest carnivore takes his post on a fallen branch. The rest of his group were spread out below, foraging about in the long grass.
Every other member of the family has an important part to play and will fulfill various duties such as grooming, cleaning, keeping a lookout, and helping rear the young. So even though there is only the Alpha pair that reproduces they are known as cooperative breeders. What this means is that other members of the family will also help raise the young as though it is their own, relieving some pressure from the parents, allowing them to spend more time foraging for food. Dwarf mongooses are selfless in their approach to raising young, I find this special as their main focus is on the success of the whole group rather than each individual, they are only as strong as the weakest member.
A band of dwarf mongooses emerges to sun themselves on a chilly autumn morning. They will move to a different sleeping site in their territory each night, returning to each one on a roughly 2-3 week rotation.
As dwarf mongooses roam in search of food this can take them quite a distance from the previous night’s refuge, having a home range that can be up to 1km squared. As a result, they will have many places of refuge within the home range in which they can scurry into or rest for the night. Being such small animals this is vital, in terms of thermoregulation and safety. These refuges consist of old termite mounds or areas around fallen over trees, or within cavities in a tree.
In the early mornings, when the sun rises they don’t take a jump on the day like many other animals but rather enjoy a bit of a sleep in and once they do rise up out of their mound they will sun themselves (warm themselves up) for some time before heading out for their daily activities. Once they set off they will forage for the most part of the day in amongst the grass and leaf litter, searching for mostly invertebrates, but will eat what they can including birds, their chicks, rodents, lizards, scorpions, spiders, and insects.
Mongooses are vulnerable to many other predators, coming in the forms of aerial predators such as eagles, hawks, buzzards, or terrestrial predators such as snakes, jackals, leopards, and monitor lizards. So as they roam they will most likely always have at least two centries looking out for danger, this allows the other to forage carefree. Should danger be seen, the alarm will be given and they will flee to the nearest place of refuge, which is always in sight.
A dwarf mongoose peers out of its burrow, making sure there is no danger present
At the end of a day of foraging, they will ensure they arrive at the night’s refuge before the sun sets, allowing them to catch the last few rays to warm up before descending into their resting place for the night. They will all cuddle up and sleep the night through. Repeating the process the following morning.
Dwarf mongooses are seriously impressive animals and live a well-rounded life (if you had to ask me). Next time at Londolozi, take a few minutes to watch these amazing animals going about their business or just catch some sunlight with them to warm yourself up in the morning.
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So much fun to watch them peeking out of their dens and scurrying around. They always seem wide-eyed!
The dwarf mongooses are the funniest. The others are nice as well. Actually, all the little animals are nice to watch!!
Patrick, What a great story and wonderful images of the Dwarf Mongooses! We love seeing them peeking out of their hideouts! We have also seen the Meerkats in the Kalahari. Are they related at all? There seem to be some similarities in the way they live.
They are so cute, very agile and quiet inquisitive too. Their little eyes don’t miss anything. Good to see some look out for danger while the others eat peacefully. Because in the bush there is always someone watching.
Hi Patrick! Those little fellas appear alike meerkat society to me. I saw them playing and interacting they are very smart and funny animals indeed! The can eat anything they overpower… I once watched a documentary where a mongoose ate a newborn lion cub. Terrible to watch… when they fight against cobras you hold your breath! Very skillful creatures. I’d love to hear more about bushveld gerbils, we had pet gerbils once
Great photos, Patrick. I also love these mongooses. They are so cute and always seem to be so busy. We watched a big group of them in April.
I love mongoose. Still think back to the little guy who flopped on his back, playing dead, in front of a hornbill
Ha ha that’s too cute! So smart!
Hello Patrick, so intresting to read your blog article about dwarf mongoose! They seem to be a very smart little animal! I would love to see them!
Thank you for sharing!
Patrick, what fun animals to follow. Thanks for the introduction.
Hi Patrick. Lovely set of pictures, thank you! And interesting article about these little animals which I have always loved watching! Do you have any other kind of Mongooses at Londolozi? Or only the Dwarf? Wendy M
A really nice blog about the mongoose Patrick. They really are cute and very fast. Some interesting facts on what theywill eat – not picky eaters at all. Also it is fascinating to learn that their family circles are similar to those of the wild dogs – they all look after one another. Teamwork!! Thanks for sharing with us – really enjoyed the pics also.
Patrick,
It was interesting to see your article about the Dwarf Mongoose, such cute little carnivores that oftentimes slip through the cracks while on a game drive. I love how they move with lightening speed except when they’re basking in the sun. It seems their family life is much like the Meerkats that I watched in the Kalahari prior to my week in Londolozi. The Alpha pair, sentries and family hierarchy seems to match. I just love watching them pop their heads out of their burrows or other hiding places.
Such gorgeous little creatures! A great article, would be so fun to spend a few hours watching these little guys go about their business!
What a great insight into the lives of the dwarf mongoose Patrick! So interesting. Do they ever habinate ?
Very interesting discussion. Although I’ve worked in the bush in South Africa for a number of years, I didn’t know anything about these predators. Thanks!
They are adorable, I don’t remember seeing them on any of our visits to Londolozi! will have to actually look for them on our next trip. ThNk you for introducing these adorable creatures to me! Victoria