Black mongoose

The black mongoose (Galerella nigrata) is a species of mongoose found in northern Namibia and south-west Angola. Although originally described as a separate species by Thomas (1928), it was later often considered as a variant of the slender mongoose. However, recent genetic analysis has confirmed its status as a separate species.

Range and habitat

The black mongoose occupies a distinct habitat in the mountainous regions of the north-west of Namibia and south-west Angola. It is one of the few mongoose species that has made its home in isolated granite kopjes.

Description

The black mongoose resembles the slender mongoose except that its coat is entirely black.

Feeding

Like other species of Galerella in southern Africa, the black mongoose has a broad diet, consuming adult, larval and pupal sarcophagid flies, amongst other insects, as well as reptiles, birds, small mammals and fruits.

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