Mungotictis decemlineata
narrow-striped mongoose

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). (Nowak, 1995; Wozencraft, 1990)

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. (Hawkins, Hawkins, and Jenkins, 2000; Wozencraft, 1990)

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. (Nowak, 1995; Woolaver et al., 2006)

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. (Hawkins, Hawkins, and Jenkins, 2000; Nowak, 1995)

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. (Hawkins, Hawkins, and Jenkins, 2000; Nowak, 1995)

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. (Hawkins, Hawkins, and Jenkins, 2000; Nowak, 1995)

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.

These animals are diurnal, and use both arboreal and terrestrial components of their habitat. Animals are social, with social groups typically containing both adult males and females, as well as young of the year and immature individuals. In the winter groups split into transient pairs, all-male units or solitary males, and maternal family groupings. (Nowak, 1995; Wozencraft, 1990)

In one study, between 18 and 22 individuals inhabited an area of 3 square km. These animals appeared to form a social unit. Within this social unit, there were two, more stable, social units. Some hostile contact occured where home ranges meet, the sub-groups were mainly interconnected and docile. (Nowak, 1995; Wozencraft, 1990)

Mungotictis decemlineata is apparently an easy-going creature. One male is reported to have watched researchers and fallen asleep while measurements and notes were being taken on his female partner. (Wozencraft, 1990)

Defecation areas were found on open rocks or cliff points along the escarpment in the Lac Tsimanampetsotsa reserve area. (Wozencraft, 1990)

Home Range

The home range of the Malgasy narrow-striped mongoose on average is about 3 square km. (Nowak, 1995)

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. (Nowak, 1995)

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.

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. (Nowak, 1995; Wozencraft, 1990)

A member of the civet family, Cryptoprocta ferox, also called a fossa, is a possible predator of M. decemlineata (Wozencraft, 1990)

Narrow-striped mongooses are predators of a wide variety of prey including bird eggs. (Nowak, 1995)

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 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. (Nowak, 1995; The IUCN Species Survival Commission, 2002; Wozencraft, 1990)

This species of mongoose is not listed under the CITES index or the US ESA.

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. (Wozencraft, 1990)