The Lac Tsimanampetsotsa area seems to be marginal habitat for this mongoose, but research within the reserve shows it is thriving. Trapping sites outside of the reserve area show that grazing lands do not suit Malagasy narrow-striped mongooses.
Little is known about communication in narrow-striped mongooses. However, the presence of scent glands suggests that chemical communication may be important in maintaining group cohesion and identifying territories.
As social, diurnal animals, it is likely that there is a well developed system of visual signals, such as body posture, which communicate intent. Tactile communication is probably important between mates, as well as between parents and their offspring. It is also likely that these mongooses use some vocalizations, although such communication has not been reported.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical
Other Communication Modes: scent marks
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Narrow-striped mongooses are now classified as endangered by IUCN. The range of this animal is less than 500 square km, and is extremely fragmented. The population is continuing to decline, and the quality of the habitat is also declining. There is very little disturbance to this animal by direct human contact, but as human populations grow, clearing of land for grazing is destroying the habitat of this mongoose.
This species of mongoose is not listed under the CITES index or the US ESA.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable
No information could be found on economic importance of narrow-striped mongooses.
No information could be found on economic importance of narrow-striped mongooses.
Narrow-striped mongooses are predators of a wide variety of prey including bird eggs.
Narrow-striped mongooses are insectivores, but may also be found eating invertebrates, small vertebrates, and bird eggs. They forage alone or in pairs covering about 1.3 square km. When feeding on eggs or invertebrates, these animals will lie on one side with the item held in all four feet. They will then swiftly expel the item onto a hard surface repeatedly until broken and eat the contents.
Animal Foods: mammals; reptiles; eggs; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods
Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )
Mungotictis decemlineata is found in the Ethiopian region, exclusively in southwestern and western Madagascar, off the eastern coast of Africa. The species is found only in the Menabe region of the island on the western coast (19 degrees to 21 degrees south lattitude).
There was an unconfirmed sighting around the Lac Tsimanampetsotsa area on the southwestern side of the island (24 degrees 8 minutes south and 43 degrees 46 minutes east). This sighting occurred in 1986, when Wozencraft reported seeing an animal that looked like M. decemlineata, but was colored differently. However, Wozencraft was not sure of the animal's identity.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
Other Geographic Terms: island endemic
Narrow-striped mongooses are known only from the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. In the summer (the wet season) nights are often spent in tree holes, in the winter (the dry season) they can be found nesting in ground burrows.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest
Nothing is known about longevity in narrow-striped mongooses. As the only member of their genus, it is difficult to use other related species to speculate on the possible longevity of these animals.
Narrow-striped mongooses have a length of 250 to 350 mm from the nose to the base of the tail, and a tail length ranging from 230 to 270 mm. These animals weigh between 600 and 700 g.
The pelage is generally gray-beige to gray with 8 to 10 dark stripes on the back and flanks. These stripes give the animal its species name, decemlineata. The tail of the mongoose is usually bushy and squirrel-like, with rings of dark color. The feet do not have hair on them, and the digits are partially webbed.
Scent glands can be found on the head and neck, and these are used for marking. Females have one pair of mammae located in the lower abdomen.
Range mass: 600 to 700 g.
Range length: 250 to 350 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
A member of the civet family, Cryptoprocta ferox, also called a fossa, is a possible predator of M. decemlineata
Known Predators:
This species is monogamous. The mature males and females pair up in the summer for mating.
Mating System: monogamous
Breeding months are from December to April, with a peak in the summer months of February and March. The gestation period in this mongoose is between 90 and 105 days, with one young produced. Young weigh about 50 g at birth and are usually weaned in 2 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 years.
Breeding interval: Malgasy narrow-striped mongooses breed annually.
Breeding season: Breeding months are from December to April, peaking in February and March.
Average number of offspring: 1.
Range gestation period: 90 to 105 days.
Average weaning age: 2 months.
Average time to independence: 24 months.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous
Average birth mass: 50 g.
Average number of offspring: 1.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 742 days.
As mammals, M. decemlineata provide the young with milk, frooming, and protection. Nothing more is known about parental care in narrow-striped mongooses. Based on their monogamous breeding system, it is likely that both parents are involved in caring for young.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female)
