CRAB-EATING MONGOOSE
DESCRIPTION: A large mongoose, only
slightly smaller than the Stripe-necked Mongoose, the Crab-eating Mongoose has
a coat that varies from grey to dark brown with individual hairs being ringed
black and white, giving it a grizzled appearance. It has a broad white stripe
on its neck, starting from its cheeks and progressing past its chest. The
throat is conspicuously paler. The yellowish brown muzzle has a flesh-coloured
nose pad with a deep groove on it. The ears are short and rounded, and the eyes
have a yellowish brown iris. The limbs are dark, the soles of its hind feet are
hairy, and all feet have clawed digits that have a shallow webbing. The tail is
two-thirds the length of its head and body, and has a paler more rufous tip.
BEHAVIOUR: Very aquatic, the Crab-eating Mongoose
hunts for fish, crabs, snails and frogs adeptly.
DISTRIBUTION: From the Dooars of northern
West Bengal up to north–east India.
HABITAT: Stream banks, swamps, paddy fields and moist deciduous forests. Not commonly found near human habitation. Not a species of the hills, but found rarely (up to 2,000 m).
Size: 45–50 cm
IUCN Status: Least Concern
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