Jackson's mongoose
Bdeogale jacksonii
Key identification features
A rare, medium sized mongoose with black legs and a long and bushy white tail. Its long fur is pale coloured, the fur on the neck and throat can have yellowish tints. It has a blunt muzzle and round ears. All mongooses from the genus Bdeogale have only four toes that are short and sturdy. HB 52-57 cm. Wt 2-3 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
It occurs in mountain forest and bamboo zones. It is usually solitary, however temporary family groups may form. It is mainly nocturnal and crepuscular (active during the night, dusk and dawn).
Similar species
The Jackson’s mongoose and the white tailed mongoose have similar colour patterns but the white tailed mongoose has 5 toes, longer legs, longer neck and a longer, more slender tail. The Sokoke dog mongoose is much smaller and has a black tail.
Distribution Map
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