Helogale is a genus of the mongoose family (Herpestidae). It consists of two species and 12 subspecies:[1]
Dwarf mongoose | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Carnivora |
Suborder: | Feliformia |
Family: | Herpestidae |
Subfamily: | Mungotinae |
Genus: | Helogale Gray, 1861 |
Type species | |
Herpestes parvulus Sundevall, 1847
| |
Species | |
Helogale ranges |
Extant Species
editCommon name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ethiopian dwarf mongoose | Helogale hirtula Thomas, 1904 Five subspecies
|
eastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
|
Common dwarf mongoose | Helogale parvula Sundevall, 1847 Seven subspecies
|
East to southern Central Africa, from Eritrea and Ethiopia to the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the Republic of South Africa. |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
|
The helogales are the smallest species of mongooses and both are endemic to Africa. The distribution of the Ethiopian dwarf mongoose is more tropical, and overlaps completely with that of the common dwarf mongoose, which is more widespread. Both are social diurnal species, and due to their small sizes they are vulnerable to predation. Both species live independently of open water.
References
edit- ^ Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M., eds. (2005). "Helogale". Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals, 1997, Jonathan Kingdon. ISBN 0-12-408355-2
- Anne Rasa: Mongoose Watch: A Family Observed, 1985, John Murray. ISBN 0-7195-4240-5