Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula

The Dwarf Mongoose is native mainly to eastern Africa from Ethiopia to eastern South Africa, but also across to Angola.

They are Africa's smallest carnivore and have a greater immunity to venom than most other animals.

Like other mongooses, they live in communal groups sharing the tasks of sentry, baby-sitting and food gathering (the last being mainly insects, eggs and small rodents with some fruit).

Dwarf Mongooses have a social hierarchy with colonies of around a dozen or two being lead by the eldest female who has priority over food and mating; her mate is second in rank.

Male and female have similar appearance. Fur can be red, yellowish, grey or dark brown. They often forage with hornbills, the mongooses and hornbills providing each other with extra look outs for danger or food.