Mammals
Narrow-striped Mongoose
Mungotictis decemlineata · also called bokiboky
Digging methodically through leaf litter on Madagascar’s west coast, a narrow-striped mongoose searches for buried insects and small vertebrates, one of several small carnivores found nowhere else on Earth but this single shrinking patch of dry forest.
Overview
The narrow-striped mongoose, Mungotictis decemlineata, is an Endangered carnivore confined to dry deciduous forest on the west coast of Madagascar. Its faint back stripes, active digging behaviour, and membership in the island’s unique Eupleridae carnivore family make it a distinctive, if little-known, part of Madagascar’s wildlife.
One family, many forms
The narrow-striped mongoose shares its ancestry with Madagascar’s other native carnivores, including the far larger fossa, all descended from a single mongoose-like animal that reached the island long ago and diversified into a range of body sizes and lifestyles found nowhere else.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population confined to a small and shrinking area of dry forest on Madagascar’s west coast, threatened by ongoing deforestation.
Narrow-striped Mongoose: common questions
What family does the narrow-striped mongoose belong to?
It belongs to Eupleridae, a carnivore family found only on Madagascar that also includes the fossa and the ring-tailed vontsira, all descended from a single ancestor that reached the island millions of years ago.
How does the narrow-striped mongoose find food?
It is an active digger, spending much of its time working through leaf litter and soil in search of insects, small vertebrates, and eggs.
Does the narrow-striped mongoose live alone?
No, it is typically found in small family groups rather than living entirely solitary lives.
Why is the narrow-striped mongoose endangered?
It is confined to a small and shrinking area of dry deciduous forest on Madagascar's west coast, and ongoing deforestation within that limited range has driven a continuing population decline.