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Stripe-necked mongoose facts for kids

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Stripe-necked mongoose
2007-stripe-necked-mongoose.jpg
Adult in Nagarhole National Park
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Urva
Species:
vitticolla
Stripe-necked Mongoose area.png
Stripe-necked mongoose range
Synonyms

Herpestes vitticollis

The stripe-necked mongoose (Urva vitticolla) is a mongoose species native to forests and shrublands from southern India to Sri Lanka.

Characteristics

Stripe-necked Mongoose Herpestes vitticollis
A pair of stripe-necked mongooses in Anamalai Hills

It is rusty brown to grizzled grey, has a stout body and short legs, a black stripe that runs laterally on both sides of its neck. Its short tail is mostly black, but grey at the base. Head to body length is 46–50 cm (18–20 in) with tail length of 32 cm (13 in). Males are larger and heavier than females with the weight of 3.1 kg (6.8 lb). Females weigh about 1.7 kg (3.7 lb).

Distribution and habitat

Stripe-necked mongoose
Stripe-necked mongoose in Nagarhole National Park

The stripe-necked mongoose is distributed in the Western Ghats and in Sri Lanka. In 1911, one individual was observed in southern Andhra Pradesh.

Behaviour and ecology

Stripe Necked Magoose
Stripe-necked mongoose seen in Bandipur National Park

It is diurnal and feeds on frogs, crabs, mouse deer, black naped hares, rodents, fowl, and reptiles. It generally avoids human habitation. They usually inhabit in riparian habitats or near abandoned tanks. In Sri Lanka, they are sparsely found within protected ranges such as national parks and sanctuaries. However, populations are commonly found over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) altitude. Even though reproduction habits are unclear, pups have been noticed in mid-May.

Taxonomy

There are two subspecies. U. vitticolla vitticolla is from the provinces of Western Ghats, Coorg and Kerala, and has more of a reddish tint to its fur. The other, U. vitticolla inornata, is found in the Kanara province, and lacks a reddish tint to its fur.

See also

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