habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
Mellerâs Mongoose is a savannah species, mainly associated with open woodland and grassland with termitaria (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Stuart & Stuart 2013). It is found in miombo woodlands in Zambia (White 2013) and montane bamboo forests in Tanzania (De Luca & Mpunga 2005). Within Mpumalanga, more specifically the Manyeleti Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the species has been found in savannah woodlands, whereas in KNP (Limpopo and Mpumalanga) it has been recorded from the low-lying granitic soils to the mountainous areas (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).Mellerâs Mongoose is solitary and nocturnal (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Termites â particularly Macrotermes spp. and Hodotermes spp. â seem to make up the majority of its diet, but it will also feed on small vertebrates, invertebrates and occasionally, wild fruit (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). No information is available on the spatial behaviour and detailed activity patterns of this species. Little is known of the reproductive biology, except that females give birth to two to three young during the summer wet season (Stuart & Stuart 2013).
Ecosystem and cultural services: None specifically reported. Although this species may be a valuable predator of agricultural pest species such as termites and other arthropods, its apparently naturally low densities suggest that it would likely not have a substantial control effect in this context.
