Comparative behaviour and ecology of two sympatric mongoose species (Cynictis penicillata and Galerella pulverulenta)

Abstract

The activity, movements, home range size, habitat selection, social structure, density, pattern of faeces deposition, anti-predator behaviour, diet, and availability and distribution of the main food sources of two mongoose species [the yellow mongoose C. penicillata and the Cape grey mongoose G. pulverulentus (= Herpestes pulverulentus) in a coastal area of South Africa are compared. Both species were diurnal. Galerella did not use dens, whereas Cynictis never rested outside a den. Total distance moved, home range size and density did not differ between the two species. Galerella frequented bush, whereas Cynictis frequented open fields. The yellow mongoose was more social than the grey mongoose. Faeces of Cynictis were found in large clumps close to the dens, while those of Galerella were more scattered. Rodents (>90% of Cape grey mongoos diet) were much more abundant in the bush, while availability of insects (main food source for the yellow mongoose) was higher in the open fields. -from Authors