Ring-tailed mongoose

Galidia elegans

The ring-tailed mongoose is a euplerid that lives on the island of Madagascar. There is actually much disagreement about the placement of Madagascar's carnivores including the ring-tailed mongoose, within the phylogenetic tree. Recent molecular work by Anne Yoder et al. reported in the journal "Nature" suggests that the Malagasy Carnivora evolved from a single herpestid ancestor.
Ring-tailed_mongoose Galidia elegans,Geotagged,Madagascar,Ring-tailed mongoose,Spring

Appearance

The ring-tailed mongoose is relatively small but is the largest member of the subfamily Galidiinae. It is usually 32 to 38 cm long and weighs only 700 to 900 g. Its body is long and slender, and the rounded head has a pointed snout. The body is a dark red color and the feet are black. As the name implies, its bushy tail is covered with black and red rings.
Ring-tailed Mongoose appearance, Marojejy This one suddenly appeared out of nowhere as we were observing a group of white-fronted lemurs crossing camp 2 in Marojejy, Madagascar. These mongooses are a relatively common sight near human camps, yet still hard to photograph due to their speed and nervousness. This species, like most Madagascar carnivores, has an interesting biological history. Some belief this species as well as the famous Fossa originate from a single species that made its way from mainland Africa to Madagascar many millions of years ago. A small event, leading to some unique species over a longer time. Madagascar's carnivores not being dangerous to humans makes it a very attractive destination for exploration on foot, which is virtually impossible in much of Africa. For the interested, here's the big cousin, the Fossa: http://www.jungledragon.com/image/10410/fossa_after_meal.html Africa,Galidia elegans,Geotagged,Madagascar,Madagascar North,Marojejy,Ring-tailed mongoose,Spring,World

Behavior

Ring-tailed mongooses are very agile, and good climbers. They are quite playful and are active during the day. Their habitat consists of humid forests.
Ring-tailed Mongoose parent and young feeding, Amber Mountain, Madagascar Sub species Galidia elegans dambrensis (Northern Ring-tailed Mongoose). Often seen but usually quick to flee a scene. This time they could not afford to abandon their prey, which likely is a tenrec. This photo may be scientifically relevant. Nursing and parenting behavior of this species is largely undescribed. This photo proves that the parent and young stick to each other for at least a few months. The parent was feeding and allowed the young to tear off peaces of the meal. http://www.jungledragon.com/image/37257/adult_ring-tailed_mongoose_feeding_-_full_body_shot_amber_mountain_madagascar.html http://www.jungledragon.com/image/37254/ring-tailed_mongoose_youngster_amber_mountain_madagascar.html Africa,Amber Mountain,Galidia elegans,Geotagged,Madagascar,Madagascar North,Ring-tailed mongoose,Spring,World

Food

Their diet is mostly of small mammals, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and eggs, but they occasionally eat insects and fruit. The population of ring-tailed mongooses has decreased by 20% over the past ten years due to habitat loss. Another problem is competition with the small Indian civet.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderCarnivora
FamilyEupleridae
GenusGalidia
SpeciesG. elegans
Photographed in
Madagascar