Mongooses are members of the cat group of the carnivores, including hyenas, lions, and tigers. Slender mongooses are variable in colour but are never striped or spotted. They range in colour from black through to red and yellow with fur that is rough and shaggy.

Weight

Males 450-700 grams.

Female 350-525 grams.

Length

The slender mongoose is 27-35 centimetres from head to body.

Tail

24-30 centimetres.

Life Span

8-20 years.

Head

Mongooses have short faces with two molar teeth in each jaw. They possess two inner-ear chambers located one in front of the other.

Body

Mongooses have an anal sac that contains at least two glandular openings. The glands deposit a scent which communicates sexual condition and other characteristics.

Front Limb

The front limb has five digits all with non-retractable claws. Being a carnivore these claws assist in holding down prey and tearing flesh. The first digit is small and the hand is sparsely haired.

Hind Limb

The hind limb has five digits all with non-retractable claws. The first digit is very small. The ┐foot┐ is sparsely haired.