THE GREY INDIAN MONGOOSE 



{Herpestes griseus) 



This,, the commonest in captivity of the little animals known as 

 Mongooses or Ichneumons, is a very fair type of the group, which forms 

 a well-defined section of the Civet family. It is not a large animal, 

 being about half the size of a Cat, and its grizzly-grey fur is loose and 

 coarse in texture. There are five toes on each foot, and these are 

 armed with strong claws suited for digging, and not at all like the more 

 or less cat-like claws of some of the Civets. The coat varies somewhat 

 in colour locally, specimens from the district of Sind being rusty-red in 

 colour instead of grey. 



This is a very widely spread animal in India, and is confined, in the 

 natural state, to that country and Ceylon, though it has been introduced 

 far and wide abroad owing to its reputation as a vermin-killer, and has 

 thus gained a footing in the Malay Peninsula, the West Indies — 

 especially Jamaica — and Hawaii. 



Unlike so many small animals, and carnivora especially, the Mon- 

 goose hunts by day, and so is often seen and very well known ; it does 

 not at all shun human habitations, and comes into suburban gardens and 

 even about houses, which it has been known to enter voluntarily and, 

 on encouragement, to make itself at home. It is generally a ground 

 animal, sheltering in holes, but can climb on occasion. In its diet it is 

 particularly omnivorous, feeding on almost any animal which its great 

 courage and activity enable it to master, and also eating various kinds 

 of fruit. Birds, beasts, reptiles, and insects contribute to its fare, and it 

 is doubtful whether it does more good by destroying Rats, Snakes, and 

 such-like vermin, or harm by its raids on poultry and its destruction 

 of birds and eggs generally, and harmless and useful reptiles such as 

 lizards. It is well known to be able to kill and devour even large 

 poisonous snakes, such as the Cobra, though it probably does not risk 



