The word “mongoose” is derived from the Marathi name mungūs (मुंगूस) (pronounced as [muŋɡuːs]). The form of the English name (since 1698) was altered to its “-goose” ending by folk-etymology.[3] It has no etymological connection with the word goose. Historically, it has also been spelled “mungoose”.[4] The plural form is mongooses,[5] or, rarely, mongeese.[6]
Description
Mongooses live in southern Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, as well in Fiji, Puerto Rico, and some Caribbean and Hawaiian islands, where they are an introduced species.
The 34 species range from 24 to 58 cm (9.4 to 22.8 in) in length, excluding the tail.[7] Mongooses range in weight from the common dwarf mongoose, at 320 g (11 oz), to the cat-sized white-tailed mongoose, at 5 kg (11 lb).[7]
Some species lead predominantly solitary lives, seeking out food only for themselves, while others travel in groups, sharing food among group members and offspring.
Anatomy
Mongooses bear a striking resemblance to mustelids, having long faces and bodies, small, rounded ears, short legs, and long, tapering tails. Most are brindled or grizzly; a few have strongly marked coats. Their nonretractile claws are used primarily for digging. Mongooses, much like goats, have narrow, ovular pupils. Most species have a large anal scent gland, used for territorial marking and signaling reproductive status. The dental formula of mongooses is similar to that of viverrids: 3.1.3-4.1-23.1.3-4.1-2.
Mongooses also have receptors for acetylcholine that, like the receptors in snakes, are shaped so that it is impossible for snakeneurotoxin venom to attach to them. Mongooses are one of four known mammalian species with mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that protect against snake venom.[8] Pigs, honey badgers, hedgehogs, and mongooses all have modifications to the receptor pocket that prevents the snake venom α-neurotoxin from binding. These represent four separate, independent mutations. In the mongoose, this change is effected uniquely, by glycosylation.[9] Researchers are investigating whether similar mechanisms protect the mongoose from hemotoxic snake venoms.[8]
mongoosesrule 