The Mongoose in Uganda, the most commonly found mongoose species are the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) and the dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula), both inhabiting various habitats like savannas and woodlands throughout the country; they are known for their social behavior, living in groups and are particularly well-observed in areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park, where visitors can often see them on foot safaris due to their relatively large populations there.
The common dwarf and banded mongooses occurring within Uganda are both, according to IUCN, species of least concern. Nevertheless, they are threatened by some habitat loss with human encroachment, often hunted for fur, or sometimes viewed as pests in places where agricultural activities are taking place.
There are ten species of mongoose recorded in Uganda with the banded mongoose regularly seen around the Mweya peninsular in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other species recorded in Uganda include; Egyptian mongoose, Marsh mongoose, slender mongoose, White tailed mongoose, Jackson’s mongoose, Common dwarf mongoose, among others. Unlike other mongoose species, banded mongooses have dark bands across their backs, for which they are named.
A mongoose is a small terrestrial carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Herpestidae. This family has two subfamilies, the Herpestidae and the Mongolian. The Herpestidae comprises 23 living species that are native to southern Europe, Africa and Asia, whereas the Mungotinae comprises 11 species native to Africa
The findings from your observations are added to the databases of the researchers, hence contributing very important information to the general understanding of Africa’s wildlife ecology in particular the Banded Mongoose in Queen Elizabeth national park, and assisting to conserve this amazing ecosystem.
The number of people on each outing is limited in order to reduce stress on the animals and to increase the quality of the experience for visitors. The activity may run for anything between 1 hour and 4 hours and tracking is possible at 7am or 5pm, however, morning sessions tend to be more active and are more likely to last longer, in some rare instances, tracking maybe done at night. On top of it all you will see other wildlife and the scenery that takes in the Kazinga Channel is an amazing sight.
The mongoose known for their snake-fighting abilities, banded mongooses can take down venomous snakes thanks to their quick reflexes and tough skin. While not immune to snake venom, their agility allows them to dodge strikes and retaliate with coordinated attacks, often overwhelming the snake with sheer numbers.
The mongoose is famous for its ability to kill some venomous snakes, including the king cobra. They are very quick and agile and have developed an adaptation that allows them to withstand the snake’s venom. Their ability to kill these snakes has given them an allure that has lasted many centuries.
Despite their fascinating reputation for attacking venomous snakes, mongooses are non-aggressive towards human beings. However, at times they may bite as in the present case. Such wounds can cause streptococcal sepsis. Early debridement of wound and early administration of broad spectrum antibiotics can be life saving.
The Banded Mongoose experiential tourism activity is based on and around Mweya Peninsula, in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda. The Peninsula supports a population of over 400 banded mongooses living in twelve or more social groups. These mongooses were featured on the BBC documentary series Banded Brothers.
Tracking of the Banded Mongoose is normally done using locator devices. Working in groups of up to four people, participants will have the opportunity to accompany the researchers through areas of the park normally off-limits to other tourists. During the tracking adventure, you will gain knowledge of habituation calls, learn to identify individuals, register their weight, in addition to monitoring the weather, their behavior as well as the surroundings.
The banded mongoose is a tough and agile creature and has a long tail, almost as long as the whole body. The banded mongoose has long claws with which they can dig and even defend themselves. They are about the size of a small cat and live in extended family groups of around twenty adults plus their offspring.
Each group or family sleeps together each night in a communal underground den, changing between den sites every 3-5 days. They emerge at sunrise and forage together in the morning and afternoon before returning to the den at sunset. The Mongoose certainly has personality and character and are most playful as they banter about in and out of their lairs.
Mongoose is opportunistic feeders that will eat birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects, fruits, and plants. They prey on the eggs and hatchlings of native ground nesting birds and endangered sea turtles.
Birds of prey are the slender mongoose’s biggest predator threat, though lions, leopards, and African wild dogs will also hunt them.
Mongooses are afraid of animals that are larger than them, though they will fight just about anything encroaching on their territory or threatening their young. Mongooses usually try to avoid larger animals though, and they will not pick fights with them without cause. Answer and Explanation: Snakes, the jackals, the marabou stork and hawk eagles have been known to eat mongooses. Specifically, mongooses have been known to kill snakes that want to eat them, such as cobras.
They live around 10 years in the wild and up to 17 years in human care. In the wild, less than 50 percent survive to three months of age.
