Ruddy mongoose
| Ruddy mongoose | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Herpestidae |
| Genus: | Urva |
| Species: | U. smithii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Urva smithii (Gray, 1837)
| |
| |
| Ruddy mongoose range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Herpestes smithii | |
The ruddy mongoose (Urva smithii) is a species of mongoose native to the forests of India and Sri Lanka. It is classified as least concern in the IUCN Red List.
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]In 1837, British zoologist John Edward Gray proposed the scientific name Herpestes smithii for a zoological specimen in the collection of the British Natural History Museum.[3] Different species names were proposed by various biologists over the years for the ruddy mongooses. In 2009, the Asian mongooses were classified under a new genus, Urva.[4][5] Three different sub-species have been recognized: smithii, thysanurus, and zeylanius.[6]
Distribution and habitat
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The ruddy mongoose is found in forests and shrub lands in India and Sri Lanka.[4][7][8] It is mainly a forest dweller and prefers more secluded areas. It has also been recorded to forage in secluded paddy fields in the region.[9] It is classified as least concern in the IUCN Red List.[8]
Description
[edit | edit source]The ruddy mongoose is a large mongoose with a greyish-brown fur.[10] It has an average head to body length of 40–45 cm (16–18 in) and a 36 cm (14 in) long tail.[11] The long tail features a darker tasseled tip,[10] which is usually curved upward, and is visible from a distance.[9]
Ecology and behavior
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The ruddy mongoose hunts during both day and night, and feeds on birds, rat snakes, land monitors, rodents and snails.[9] It is generally considered a solitary animal, though it has been recorded in monogamous pairs during the mating season. Family groups of up to five animals consisting of a mother and pups have been observed in the wild.[11] While they are generally found in thick jungles, and edges of the forests, they occasionally venture into paddy fields and tea estates. They quickly withdraw into a crevice or underneath a rock shelf on confrontation with humans. When they are cornered, they often show aggressive behaviour while making loud and shrill noises.[11]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]- File:Wikispecies-logo.svg Data related to Herpestes smithii at Wikispecies
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