Dwarf Mongoose

Dwergmuishond · Helogale parvula

Africa's smallest carnivore, this tiny glossy-brown mongoose lives in tight family groups led by a dominant pair. Dwarf mongooses make termite mounds their homes and lookout posts, taking turns to stand sentry while the others hunt insects. They have a special partnership with hornbills, foraging together and sharing alarm calls to warn each other when danger like a hawk appears.

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How to identify it

Very small and uniformly dark glossy-brown, living in groups around termite mounds — no stripes.

Where to see it in Kruger

Common and active by day; look for family groups on and around old termite mounds in open woodland.

Did you know

It teams up with hornbills, with each species warning the other when a predator is near.

Often confused with

Banded Mongoose

Slender Mongoose

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