Galerella sanguinea (Rüppell, 1835)

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2009, Herpestidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 1 Carnivores, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 262-328 : 316-317

17.

Common Slender Mongoose

Galerella sanguinea

French: Mangouste svelte / German: Rotes Schlankichneumon / Spanish: Mangosta esbelta

Taxonomy. Herpestes sanguineus Ruppell, 1835 .

“Kordofan”, Sudan, exact locality unknown.

Variously placed in the genus Galerella or Herpestes . A large and variable number of subspecies (over forty) have been described, mostly on the basis of unreliable characters (mostly pelage color and size). Of these, the Somalian Slender Mongoose (G. ochracea ) is now considered a valid species. The others are not considered valid here, but this may be changed by further studies, including genetic analyses.

Distribution. Widely distributed, ranges from the sub-Saharan belt, from Senegal to the Red Sea Coast in Sudan, and S to South Africa, also occurs on Zanzibar I.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 32-34 cm (males), 27-33 cm (females), tail 19.4-31 cm (males), 21.2-29 cm (females), hindfoot 4.5-7 cm (males), 4.4-6 cm (females), ear 1.4-2. 8 cm (males), 1.5-2. 5 cm (females); weight 363-789 g (males), 277-565 g (females). Males are larger than females. A small and slender mongoose, with short legs and a long body and tail. The pelage color is very varied, from almost black to bright red, but most frequently grizzled brown-grayish. The tip of the tail is darker or black. The grizzled appearance derives from individual hairs being annulated, with very light bands alternating with dark ones. These bands are narrower on the head (where the hair is shorter) than on the body and tail. The ventral surface is lighter and less grizzled. The face is pointed, and the ears are small and close to the head. The rhinarium is small, and usually pinkish-brown to light brown, with a depression that continues in a slit that divides the hair on the upper lip. The iris of the eye is bright orange. Each foot has five digits, with the first one reduced; the heel pad is not haired, and a narrow web connects the digits. There are two to three pairs of mammae. Skull length 60-70 mm (males), 59-68 mm (females), with ovoid braincase and a short and broad rostrum. Dental formula 13/3, C1/1,P 3/4, M 2/2 = 38. Upper canines almost straight, lower distinctively curved. The first upper premolars are very small and sometimes absent.

Habitat. Found in a variety of habitats, mostly arid and sub-arid areas, but is absent from true deserts (Sahara and Namib). Usually absent from forests, but may occur in forest fringes and penetrate into forests along roads. Sometimes found close to villages. When in sympatry with closely related species (the Somalian Slender Mongoose and the Angolan Slender Mongoose), it seems to select bushier,less arid habitat. Ranges from sea level up to the Ethiopian Plateau (2700 m).

Food and Feeding. Diet includes a wide variety of small mammals and invertebrates. Insects (grasshoppers, termites, beetles, and ants) are found very frequently in stomachs and feces, but vertebrates are often more important as a percentage of total biomass consumed. Verebrate prey includes reptiles (e.g. agamas, skinks, and snakes) and rodents of various genera (e.g. Mastomys , Rhabdomys , Pelomys ). Wild fruits are consumed. Carrion is eaten, along with associated sarcophagous insects. Possibly owing to the climbing ability of this species, wild birds are also occasionally consumed. In a sample of 60 stomachs from Botswana and Zimbabwe, the percentage occurrence of prey items was: 73% insects, 27% lizards (including southern tree agama Acanthocercus atricollis and the variable skink Trachylepis varia), and 25% murids (including the East African Pelomys ( Pelomys fallax). Based on observations of captive mongooses, eggs seem a preferred food item and are broken open by smashing them against a hard surface. Common Slender Mongooses are implicated in killing domestic birds. The diet seems to follow seasonal variation in availability; insects are more frequently consumed during wet and warm periods, than in dry and cold ones, when more small mammals are eaten. While hunting, Common Slender Mongooses move around continuously. They have been observed chasing and pouncing on rodents, and flushing grasshoppers and catching them in flight.

Activity patterns. Mainly diurnal, with a peak in activity before sunset.

Movements, Home range, and Social organization. Although normally seen singly, males show some tendency to associate; two males may occupy the same territory, and stable, larger coalitions (up to four individuals) may defend a territory from other males. Home ranges are 50-100 ha for males and 25 ha for females; however, these are based on visual observations and are likely to be underestimates. Female home ranges (and possibly also male ranges) seem exclusive. A better climber than most mongooses. Dens (either self-dug or usurped from other animals) may be used for shelter.

Breeding. Seasonal breeders; births seem to be concentrated in the wet season (October—-November and February-April in East Africa, October to March in eastern South Africa). Females may have two litters per year. Gestation probably lasts 60-70 days. Litter size is two to four. Dens are used for breeding and are changed frequently. Weaning occurs at around eight weeks. Juveniles disperse before six months of age. Dispersal may be male-biased. Young attain adult size and sexual maturity by the time they are one year old. Survival rate is 0-63 for young and 0-8 for adults. The oldest individuals found in the wild were eight years old.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern in The IUCN Red List. No significant threats known. Very widespread and common (densities of up to six individuals/ km? have been recorded).

Bibliography. Coetzee (1977), Hinton & Dunn (1967), Nowak (1999), Petter (1969), Pocock (1916b), Rood (1986), Sale & Taylor (1970), Skinner & Chimimba (2005), Taylor (1969, 1975), Waser, Elliott et al. (1995), Waser, Keane etal. (1994).

Figures

On following pages: 15. Somalian Slender Mongoose (Galerella ochracea); 16. Cape Gray Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta); 17. Common Slender Mongoose (Galerella sanguinea); 18. White-tailed Mongoose (/chneumia albicauda); 19. Selous's Mongoose (Paracynictis selous)); 20. Bushy-tailed Mongoose (Bdeogale crassicauda); 21. Jackson's Mongoose (Bdeogale jackson); 22. Black-footed Mongoose (Bdeogale nigripes); 23. Meller’s Mongoose (Rhynchogale melleri).

Distribution. Widely distributed, ranges from the sub-Saharan belt, from Senegal to the Red Sea Coast in Sudan , and S to South Africa , also occurs on Zanzibar I.