See These Mongooses Work as a Team to Scare Off Cheeky Baboons

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There is quite a difference in size between mongooses and baboons! Despite this, the two animals are evenly matched in this clip – until just before the end. The baboons start the confrontation by trying to steal a baby mongoose. But the brave little creatures were not going to give up one of their own so easily. They formed a protective line and worked as a team to drive off the bigger animal. The baboons make a lot of noise but do not get their own way. Eventually, they have to admit defeat and give up!

What Do Mongooses Normally Eat?

Baboons are opportunistic hunters and will eat whatever they can get hold of – including baby mongooses! But what do mongooses eat? They are termed insectivores because they mainly eat insects. They supplement this with other things that they come across when they are scratching around in the ground and debris. This could be lizards, snakes, rats, and mice but could also be fruits and nuts.  

How Do Banded Mongooses Normally Behave?

The banded mongoose is a social and gregarious little animal. They live in groups called packs which typically comprise between 10 and 20 members. Individual pack members may forage for food on their own but they also work together when they are hunting. This allows them to take on more challenging prey such as sand snakes.

Scientists are not certain about the social structure of mongoose packs. Nevertheless, they suspect that it is a matriarchal system with a mature female being in charge. They share the care of their young and are also very protective of sick and injured pack members and the elderly. As you can see in this clip, mongooses always look after the less capable members of the group. At the same time, they also nurture vulnerable members by giving them preferential access to food and by grooming them. When they are threatened, they either scatter or bunch together. Here we see them grouping together and placing the youngest members in the center of the bunch.

Where Do Mongooses Normally Live?

These are a native species of Africa and are mainly found south of the Sahara. Their range extends from Gambia through northeastern Ethiopia and down to South Africa. In terms of habitat, they are not too fussy! You will find them in grasslands and woodlands as well as in rocky areas. However, they do not live in desert environments. Sharing a habitat with baboons can be tricky for them!