Size: Length; 50cm. Weight; 600g.

Habitat and Distribution: Semi-arid, open habitats including grasslands, scrub and semi-desert scrub throughout southern Africa.

Age: Up to 15 years in captivity.

Groups and Breeding: The Yellow Mongoose is a social species living in colonies of up to 20 individuals. The colonies consist of a family group – a breeding male and female plus young and several other individuals with some family association. Breeding starts in July with 1-2 young being born after a gestation of 42-57 days. Young are weaned at 10 weeks and reach adult size after 10 months.

Diet: Mostly insects with some small vertebrates and invertebrates.

• Yellow Mongoose can produce a milky fluid from an anal gland that smells of sour cheese!
• Yellow Mongooses are regarded as the most important carriers of rabies on the central plateau of South Africa.
• The alpha male in a group will mark all individuals in his group with scent from his anal gland every day. He will also mark around his territory.
• These mongoose have a special latrine/ toilet which is situated near to the entrance of their burrow.
• There are thought to be 12 subspecies of Yellow Mongoose.
• The Yellow Mongoose lives in a permanent underground burrow complex and often co-exists with Ground Squirrels or Meerkats, sharing maintenance of the warren and adding new tunnels, entrances and burrows as necessary.