Black mongoose
| Black mongoose | |
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G. nigrata
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| Galerella nigrata Thomas, 1928[1]
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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),[1] it was later often considered as a variant of the slender mongoose. However, recent genetic analysis has confirmed its status as a separate species.[2]
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.[3]
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.[3]
