Small India Mongoose

The Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is a small, fast and curious mammal, recognizable by its elongated body, tapered snout and long, bushy tail. Introduced to several Caribbean islands, it now lives in open areas, forest edges and sometimes near homes, where it moves with agility.

Classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, it forms stable populations in many regions where it has settled. An opportunistic and adaptive species, it participates in the regulation of small animals such as rodents and certain reptiles, a role that influences Caribbean ecosystems.

The mongoose measures about 30 to 40 cm and has a tail that is almost as long as its body. Its slightly spotted brown-gray coat allows it to blend easily into thickets. Always on the move, it relentlessly inspects soils, trunks and vegetation clusters to identify any prey or food source.

Omnivorous, it consumes insects, eggs, small vertebrates, fruits or sometimes amphibians. It mostly hunts on the ground and uses its precise sight to spot every movement. Its speed of execution makes it an effective predator, especially in dense environments.

At the Martinique Zoo, the mongoose lives in a space where trunks and hiding places allow it to express its natural behavior. Visitors often observe her gliding between the elements of the decor, attentive to the slightest movement around her.