Angolan slender mongoose

The Angolan slender mongoose, also known as the Kaokoveld slender mongoose, black mongoose, or black slender mongoose, is a small mongoose species native to southwestern Africa. This captivating animal is typically found in regions such as southwestern Angola and northwestern Namibia.

This mongoose is easily identifiable by its long, slender body and diverse color forms. In the southern areas of its range, it tends to be black or dark brown, while in the north, it may be yellowish or reddish-brown. It thrives in dry, rocky habitats where it hunts insects, scorpions, and small vertebrates.

Physically, the Angolan slender mongoose is quite petite and slender, featuring a well-furred tail. Males are generally larger, with body lengths around 343 mm, while females are smaller, measuring about 310 mm. It has a moderately broad skull and neat, rounded ears.

This mongoose is diurnal, preferring a solitary lifestyle. Each individual has its own territory, which can span up to 4 km² and may sometimes overlap with others. Its diet is eclectic, including insects, scorpions, lizards, snakes, small birds, and mammals. However, it must remain vigilant for larger predators such as the African hawk-eagle.

The Angolan slender mongoose is endemic to southern Africa, meaning it is found nowhere else. Its natural habitats are quite specific, including kopjes (rocky hills), rocky outcrops, granite boulder areas, and the surrounding woodlands and slopes. Fortunately, there are no significant threats to this species, and its population is stable. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as a species of "least concern" in terms of conservation status.