White-tailed mongoose

The white-tailed mongoose, scientifically designated as Herpestes albicaudus, is notable for being the largest member of the mongoose family and the sole representative of its genus, Ichneumia. This captivating animal inhabits regions in Africa south of the Sahara as well as parts of the southern Arabian Peninsula, flourishing in an array of habitats from semi-deserts to savanna woodlands.

In terms of physical characteristics, these mongooses weigh between 1.8 to 5.2 kg and possess a head-and-body length of 53 to 71 cm, with their tails measuring 40 to 47 cm. They are characterized by a long, narrow head, large rounded ears, and a yellow-tan body covered with black guard hairs, resulting in a grizzled-grey appearance. True to their name, their bushy tail features a distinct white coloration on the latter half.

White-tailed mongooses are predominantly nocturnal and terrestrial. During the day, they seek refuge in abandoned burrows or cavities beneath tree roots. They are notably vocal, emitting barking sounds during mating and discharging a foul-smelling substance when threatened. Their diet is diverse, with a preference for insects but also including small mammals, reptiles, and fruits.

Reproduction in these mongooses is not well-documented, but litters are usually observed from February to May. The young are weaned by nine months and typically disperse around this time. They are believed to reach sexual maturity before the age of two, with a gestation period of approximately 60 days.

The genus name Ichneumia is derived from the Greek word "ichneumon" meaning 'tracker,' while the species name albicauda is derived from the Latin words for 'white' and 'tail.' In Tigrinya, a language spoken in parts of Eritrea and Ethiopia, the white-tailed mongoose is referred to as "tsihira."