Genus Herpestes Higher classification Herpestes | Phylum Chordata Subfamily Herpestinae Scientific name Herpestes fuscus Rank Species | |
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Similar Ethiopian dwarf mongoose, Short‑tailed mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Cape gray mongoose, Broad‑striped Malagasy mongoose | ||
The Indian brown mongoose (Herpestes fuscus) looks similar to the short-tailed mongoose from Southeast Asia and is sometimes believed to be only a subspecies of this latter. The Indian brown mongoose is found in southwest India and Sri Lanka.
Contents
Description
The Indian brown mongoose appears large compared to the other mongoose species in southern Western Ghats. This species has a dark brown body and its legs are noticeably in black colour. The tail length is two third of its body length and more furry than that of the small Indian mongoose. A pointed tail and fur beneath the hind leg help to distinguish this species from others.
Distribution
In South India, it is found from 700 to 1,300 m from Virajpet in south Coorg and Ooty in the Nilgiri hills, Tiger Shola in the Palni hills, High Wavy Mountains in Madurai, Kalakad-Mundanthurai in Agasthyamalai hills, Valparai plateau in the Anamalai hills, and Peeramedu in Kerala.
