Dwarf Mongoose

 

Linnaean Classification: Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Herpestidae, Helogale parvula

 

Regulator because the dwarf mongoose is a mammal that is capable of regulating internal body conditions.

 

Neither because the dwarf mongoose neither hibernates nor migrates. The dwarf mongoose typically lives in warm climates that do not have harsh winters, so they do not have a need to hibernate.

 

Generalist because the dwarf mongoose are generally terrestrial mammals, some are semi-aquatic, and others are at home in the treetops. Mongooses live in burrows and are nondiscriminatory predators, feeding on small animals such as rodents, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, and worms. Some species supplement their diet with fruits, nuts, and seeds. Creative hunters, they are known to break open bird eggs by throwing them with their forepaws toward a solid object.

 

Consumer because the dwarf mongoose obtains its energy from eating other organisms such as plants and small animals.

 

Omnivore because mongooses feed on small animals such as rodents, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, and worms. Some species supplement their diet with fruits, nuts, and seeds.

 

Niche: Dwarf mongooses occupy a variety of habitats, including savannas, forests and even mountainous regions. Dwarf mongoose primarily eat insects, but eggs, fruit and small lizards also make up part of their diet. This species can be found throughout eastern Africa, from Somalia to South Africa.