The Ethiopian dwarf mongoose, Helogale hirtula, also known as the desert dwarf mongoose or Somali dwarf mongoose, is a mongoose native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. It belongs to the genus Helogale together with the common dwarf mongoose, and five subspecies are recognized: Helogale hirtula hirtula, ahlselli, annulata, lutescens and powelli. The species is notable for its alarm calling. It sends out warning calls to its family when a predator is detected, and it also produces general alarm calls when danger is not present. These calls differ in pitch to indicate different levels of urgency, and they could convey the predator's species, distance and elevation to the rest of the family.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleEaten or Drunk by People 1 Relationship to People Living or Extinct Conservation Status Body Size Band Activity Pattern Comparison
CITES Appendix Connections
Child Taxon Of
Helogale, Taxa Source Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Wikipedia)
In Biome
Source Animal Diversity Web: Helogale hirtula (Animal Diversity Web)
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Wikipedia)LeadQuote, Lead
native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Wikipedia)LeadQuote, Lead
native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Wikipedia)LeadQuote, Lead
native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
Sources
1. Animal Diversity Web: Helogale hirtula (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity WebPhysical Description
typically weigh about 200 to 350 g
Lifespan/Longevity
These animals have an average lifespan of about 8 years.
Conservation Status
Ethiopian dwarf mongooses are currently listed as a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Conservation Status, cites appendix
CITES No special status
Behavior
These animals are diurnal and seek shelter at night inside termite mounds, dens or rock crevices.
Food Habits
have a very generalized carnivorous diet that includes insects and their larvae
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Humans also eat these small mongooses in parts of their range.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive, relationship to people
Around farms and villages rat populations get suppressed
Habitat
Ethiopian dwarf mongooses are found in savannahs, woodlands, brush country and mountain scrub
View the Source 2. Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Wikipedia)
Lead
native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
Lead, living or extinct
The Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (Helogale hirtula), also known as the desert dwarf mongoose or Somali dwarf mongoose, is a mongoose native to East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
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