Head to head
Selous's Mongoose vs Meller's Mongoose
Selous's Mongoose
VS Meller's Mongoose
Selous's mongoose and Meller's mongoose both inhabit southern Africa, but their diets and burrowing habits set them apart.
| Selous's Mongoose | Meller's Mongoose | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Paracynictis selousi | Rhynchogale melleri |
| Diet | Broad, opportunistic | Mainly termites |
| Teeth | Typical mongoose dentition | Noticeably reduced |
| Burrowing habit | Digs its own extensive burrows | Uses burrows or termite mounds |
| Namesake | Naturalist Frederick Selous | None comparable |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Savanna, grassland | Savanna, forest |
Selous's Mongoose vs Meller's Mongoose: common questions
How does Meller's mongoose's diet differ from Selous's mongoose's diet?
Meller's mongoose relies on termites for an unusually large share of its diet, while Selous's mongoose takes a broader, more opportunistic diet of insects, small rodents, and reptiles.
Why does Meller's mongoose have fewer teeth than Selous's mongoose?
Meller's mongoose has noticeably fewer teeth, an adaptation reflecting its heavily termite-based diet, which requires less varied dental equipment than the broader diet Selous's mongoose relies on.
Does Selous's mongoose dig its own burrows like Meller's mongoose?
Selous's mongoose is specifically documented digging its own extensive burrow systems, an unusual level of self-sufficiency not as clearly attributed to Meller's mongoose, which also uses termite mounds for shelter.