Mongoose (Meerkat) |
Unique Features
Mongooses can tell the difference between dangerous birds of prey and harmless birds from their flight patterns. Most species of mongoose are skilled egg breakers. They break eggs by throwing them between their hind legs against a rock. Description Twelve species of the mongoose family occur in Southern Africa. All species of mongoose have an elongated body and most have long tails. Anal scent glands play an important part in the lives of the mongoose and are used to mark their territories. Predators: Their main predators are birds of prey and some larger snakes. Their usual defense is avoidance. The appearance of a predator sends them diving for cover in their underground burrows, or into hollow logs or dense thickets. Water mongooses take to the water and submerge completely, leaving only their noses exposed. |