Somali dwarf mongoose (Helogale hirtula)

Also known as:	desert dwarf mongoose, Ethiopian dwarf mongoose

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora
Family	Herpestidae
Genus	Helogale (1)

Top facts

• There are two species of dwarf mongoose, the common dwarf mongoose and the Somali dwarf mongoose.
• Typically active during the day, dwarf mongooses often seek shelter in termite mounds at dusk.
• Dwarf mongooses feed mainly on insects, although small vertebrates, eggs and fruit are also eaten occasionally.
• Dwarf mongooses live in groups of up to 40 individuals led by an older female, and typically only the dominant pair will breed.

The Somali dwarf mongoose is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Information on the Somali dwarf mongoose (Helogale hirtula) is currently being researched and written and will appear here shortly.

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

1. IUCN Red List (July, 2012)
   http://www.iucnredlist.org