The water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), also called the marsh mongoose, is a robust, dark-brown mongoose of rivers, dams and reedbeds across much of sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger. It is solitary and mostly active from dusk into the night, feeding mainly on crabs, plus frogs, fish and small rodents. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
Name
Water Mongoose
Appearance
The Water Mongoose has an overall length of 1000mm and is robust in stature. The Water Mongoose weighs up to 4.2kg. The Water Mongoose has a dark brown, waterproof coat with a lighter coloured nose. Water Mongoose has a large head that accommodates a larger brain. The larger brain gives the Water Mongoose increased muscular control and tactile sensitivity.
Diet
The Water Mongooses diet consists mainly of crab, prawn, fish and on some occasions frogs. When on land, they hunt rats, blue duiker and cane rats.
Breeding
The Water Mongoose give birth to a litter containing 2 young after their gestation period ends. Water Mongoose can give birth to more than one litter a year. Little is known about the sexual behaviour of the Water Mongoose other than that they breed twice a year. The female will prepare a nest in a hole in swampy areas.
Behaviour
Water Mongoose have solitary habits and is a semi aquatic and nocturnal species. These animals have regular habits that and follow clearly defined and smooth pathways to rivers, shorelines and are often hidden by tall grass and reeds. Water Mongoose have a rather strange way of catching birds. They will lay on their backs to imitate sunbathing, with their brightly coloured anus sticking out and taking prominence between the dark fur. It is assumed that the colour attracts birds to peck at the area. As the bird gets close, the mongoose will ambush the bird. Mongoose have a strange self defence mechanism where they release a foul brown liquid from their anal sacs when they are threatened or cornered.
Habitat
Water Mongoose are associated with rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal areas as well as vleis and reedbeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a water mongoose eat?
Mainly crabs, which it often carries out of the water to crack open, plus frogs, fish, insects and small rodents.
Is the water mongoose endangered?
No. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa wherever there is permanent water with dense cover.
When can you see a water mongoose in the Kruger?
Look near permanent rivers and dams with thick reeds, mostly after sunset. A guided night drive gives you the best chance of spotting one.
How many young does a water mongoose have?
Usually two to three per litter, after a gestation of roughly 69 to 80 days.
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