Yellow Mongoose

Afrikaans name: Witkwasmuishond

A Yellow Mongoose on the lookout for danger

Photo © Steven Herbert

Cynictus penicillata

Find out about the Yellow Mongoose

Yellow Mongooses are only found in southern Africa. They prefer areas of grassland or scrubland.

They are mainly active during the day. They spend most of their day foraging for food items such as small reptiles, birds' eggs and insects. They can often be seen listening to something under the surface and then hurriedly digging it out.

The Yellow Mongoose is normally seen by itself but they do live in colonies of up to 20 individuals. Their home is a permanent burrow and they do not object to sharing their living quarters with other species.

Mating occurs during late winter and early spring and the young are born in summer. Normally the female has two babies.

Above - Note the lighter tip to the tail

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 110

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 83

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 142

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 122

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 33

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 62

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 418

Signs of the Wild - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 79

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 320

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 204