Marsh mongoose

The marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), also called the water mongoose, is a medium-sized mongoose that lives in sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike other mongooses, it prefers to stay near freshwater wetlands. These special habitats give it a unique way of life.

This clever animal has adapted well to its watery home. It is good at swimming and can even close its ears to keep water out while hunting. Because of this, the marsh mongoose is often seen near rivers, lakes, and marshes.

Since 2008, scientists have listed the marsh mongoose as a Least-concern species on the IUCN Red List. This means the population is healthy and not in danger of disappearing. Its ability to live in wet places helps protect it from threats that affect other animals.

Taxonomy

The name Atilax was first used in 1826 by a scientist named Frédéric Cuvier. Later, in 1829, another scientist, Georges Cuvier, described a mongoose living in the marshes of the Cape Province using the scientific name Herpestes paludinosus. Today, this animal is the only living member of the genus Atilax. There was also an ancient species from a very long time ago called Atilax mesotes, but it is no longer around.

Characteristics

The marsh mongoose has fur that ranges from dark reddish brown to black, with white and fawn-colored guard hairs. Its muzzle is short, with a fawn-colored mouth, short whiskers, and a naked rhinarium. It has 36 teeth, short round ears, and two nipples. The mongoose's feet have five flexible digits with curved claws, but no webbing.

Females measure about 48.72 cm from head to body, and males about 51.38 cm, with tails between 32.18 cm and 34.11 cm long. Adults weigh between 2.56 kg and 2.95 kg. Both males and females have special glands that produce a musky-smelling secretion. Female marsh mongooses have 36 chromosomes, while males have 35.

Distribution and habitat

The marsh mongoose lives in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and The Gambia all the way to Ethiopia. It prefers places with fresh water, like wetlands, marshes, and swamps near slow rivers and streams. You can find it in forests, jungles, and savanna areas. It also lives in special coastal spots such as river deltas, estuarine, and brackish-water habitats.

People may have taken the marsh mongoose to Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Scientists have seen it in Guinea’s National Park of Upper Niger and in forested areas of Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park. In Ethiopia, it has been spotted very high up in the Bale Mountains National Park, at an elevation of 3,950 metres, or about 12,960 feet.

Behaviour and ecology

The marsh mongoose is usually alone. It is a great swimmer and can stay underwater for up to 15 seconds, using its feet to move. On land, it walks slowly but can run quickly when needed. These animals are mostly active around sunrise and sunset.

When hunting for food, the marsh mongoose swims or walks toward its prey in the water. It keeps its head above water while searching. Once it finds something to eat, it grabs it with its mouth and brings it to land to eat. They eat many kinds of animals, such as small rodents, frogs, fish, and insects, as well as some plants. After eating, they clean their mouths with their front paws. They often leave their waste in special spots away from the water.

Threats

In 2006, around 950 marsh mongooses were hunted each year in the part of Cameroon known as the Cross–Sanaga–Bioko coastal forests.