Herpestes ichneumon

Scientific name: Herpestes ichneumon 

Other names: Scalavard, mongoose, rat-of-pharaoh and also hose.

Distribution: This species of carnivorous mammal appears to have originated in the African steppes and is, for this reason, widespread throughout most of the continent. It can still be found in part of the Asian territory and also in the South of Europe, mainly in the Iberian Peninsula, where it has expanded towards North. 

Although progression in the Spanish territory has been slower, perhaps due to the massification of agricultural production, in Portugal there may already be some sort of snails in the Beiras area, which may be related to the fact that the forest area have increased significantly, with the abandonment of agricultural land, but also because their main predators, lynx, have virtually ceased to be found. At this moment, the great predator of this species is, directly or indirectly, Man, since many of these animals are run over or poisoned, in addition to those who are hunted, legally and illegally. It is thought to have been introduced into the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs, who occupied the territory from the 8th Century. It was also introduced in Madagascar, where it is pointed out as an imbalance factor of a fauna with a delicate ecological balance.

Conservation status: This species is not at risk at this time. 

Feeding: Feedlots feed mainly on small rodents, birds, rabbits, hares, reptiles, amphibians, eggs and occasionally some vegetables. They are known for their skill in catching snakes safely, using a series of evasion maneuvers to avoid being bitten, which in many cases would put their lives at risk. They tend to be solitary animals, but sometimes they are also observed in small groups with four or five individuals, which allows them to use some collective hunting techniques, not allowing their prey to escape.

Physical characteristics: An adult of this species has a length of about 90 centimeters, measures about 20 centimeters in height and can weigh up to six pounds. Males are heavier and heavier than females. It has a coat of grayish-brown color, which provides a great camouflage in open ground, or with undergrowth. Its muzzle is very pointed, allowing it to penetrate dense vegetation when it feels in danger. 

Reproduction: The mating period occurs in the spring, giving birth to the young in early summer. 

The gestation time is a little more than 80 days, after which up to four babies are born.

One of the characteristics of this species is the way that mother and children move. Mothers travel in search of safe routes, while the chicks follow in line, with their heads against the tip of the tail of the animal of the front, from there they are called dragoons. The chicks live with the progenitors until the next litter is born, height in who usually become independent or form their own groups. Sexual maturity, however, is only reached by the age of two.