Picture of the Month – the Indian Grey Mongoose
Monday, 5 October 2026
Although the above picture of an Indian Grey Mongoose may lead to an assumption that the mammal is at least semi-aquatic, that is not the case. In fact, the Indian grey mongoose pictured in, West Bengal, India, is happy to take to the water occasionally (in the hunt for food), it is usually found in open forest and scrublands. picture
The grey mongoose isn’t averse to living around us, either –
nest have even been found in drains.
Breeding throughout the year, it needs a constant food supply and when
there are no birds’ eggs or hatchlings upon which to feast, it will often turn
its attention to the rats and mice that are found wherever we are. In some parts of India, especially the state
of Chandigarh, it is kept as a pet specifically for that purpose. Although keeping wild animals as pets is illegal,
this habit does persist in rural areas.
Yet being kept to catch rats is the least of its worries…
The most significant threat to the Indian Grey Mongoos is
that it is hunted for its hair. Apparently,
the hair of this mammal makes for really good paint brushes – and even shaving
brushes too. Although the animal is in
no danger of extinction, this is the most significant threat to its existence –
and thousands of them are killed each year for our selfish purposes.
Regardless, this bold little animal persists. Although its prey are usually birds and
rodents, it also raids gharial nests when it can. And yes, this species is
famous for its ability to combat snakes.
Using its acrobatic skills, it tires the snake out by goading it to strike, and then skilfully
dodging the strikes when they come. Once the snake is tired, the mongoose will
go for the killer bite just below its opponent’s head. Despite all these dangers, the Indian grey
mongoose will live for seven years in the wild – enabling it to breed five or
six times and ensure that the next generations of mongoose will continue to
inhabit the Indian countryside.
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