habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
Dwarf Mongooses inhabit open woodlands, thickets and wooded savannahs, particularly where there are termitaria, rock outcroppings or crevices, or hollow logs and trees for use as dens (Hiscocks & Perrin 1991; Creel 2013; Hoffmann et al. 2014). Waser et al. (1995) noted that the most important determinant of habitat preference in this species is the density of suitable dens, but this might not necessarily be the case (Hoffmann et al. 2014). It is not found in highly arid areas or in dense riparian vegetation.Helogale parvula is almost entirely insectivorous, feeding primarily on beetles, beetle larvae and termites, although it will occasionally prey on small vertebrates (Creel 2013). In Phuza Moya Private Game Reserve, this small carnivore very rarely consumed termites (despite living in termite mounds), whereas grasshoppers, spiders, crickets and scorpions were common prey items (L. Sharpe pers. obs. 2006â2016).
Dwarf Mongooses are diurnal, obligate cooperative breeders that live in stable social groups of 3â30 individuals (Sharpe et al. 2016). Within their well-defended yet overlapping territories, group members forage together over distances of 0.5â3.5 km (J. Kern unpubl. data) and may utilise up to 30 different sleeping refuges (Rood 1983; Hoffman et al. 2014). Since individuals predominantly dig for invertebrate prey they are particularly vulnerable to predation while foraging and a sentinel is often posted. Territory size is similar in the Serengeti (0.25â0.35 km2; Rood 1978) and in Limpopo (0.3â0.4 km2; Sharpe et al. 2012), but is twice to thrice as large in the Taru Desert, Kenya (0.65â0.96 km2; Rasa 1987). Social groups normally consist of an alpha pair, their adult offspring and 1â3 immigrant males (Rood 1986). The dominant pair is responsible for 80% of pups (Keane et al. 1994) and their subordinate helpers of both sexes have a positive influence on reproductive success (Creel & Waser 1994). All adults take part in cooperative activities such as territory defence, sentinel behaviour, allo-grooming and pup care (Rood 1983). In South Africa, groups rear 2â3 consecutive litters during the summer wet season (OctoberâApril; Photo 1). Gestation is c. 50 days, inter-birth interval averages 60 days and mean litter size (at pup emergence) is 4.1 (N = 53 litters; L. Sharpe unpubl. data). Individuals reach sexual maturity by one year (Creel et al. 1992), but males usually delay dispersal until 2â3 years of age (Rood 1990). Females tend to remain in their natal group for life (queuing for the alpha position), and their reproduction is suppressed by the alpha female via endocrine mechanisms and infanticide (Creel et al. 1992). Dispersing females, unlike males, are unable to join established groups (Rood 1986) and so must found their own groups. Because group size is positively correlated with survival of pups, adults and groups (Rasa 1987; Rood 1990; Creel & Waser 1994), small, newly established groups are rarely successful (Rasa 1986; Rood 1986) and vacant territories often remain unoccupied for years (Rood 1986). The maximum lifespan of wild Dwarf Mongooses is 13 years (Rood 1990; L. Sharpe pers. obs. 2016).
Ecosystem and cultural services: Dwarf Mongooses share a co-dependent relationship with a number of bird species, for example hornbills of the genus Tockus (Rasa 1983) or Fork-tailed Drongos (Dicrurus adsimilis; Sharpe et al. 2010). Forming mixed-species foraging parties, they provide the birds with additional foraging opportunities (i.e. flushed prey) while utilising the birdsâ anti-predator vigilance and warning calls.
