White tailed mongoose

Introduction: Although not strictly nocturnal, the white-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) tends to be more active from dusk until around midnight. It is so-called because of its distinctive white tail, which is very evident when it is foraging around at night. Mongooses make good use of their anal scent glands when marking their own territories.

Distribution: The well-watered woodlands and savannahs of the Caprivi Region

Diet: Insects, termites, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets, frogs, snakes and rodents

Colouring: A dark grey body with black legs. Characteristic white tail.

Breeding: Litters of between 1-3 are born after a gestation period of two months. Mating usually happens in November.

Size: Males and females are both around 1.1m in total length

Weight: 4.3kg