- Written by Krisztian Svabik
- Category: Animals
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Mixed-species exhibits with herpestids and Madagascar carnivores
Currently, there are 34 species of mongooses described in the family Herpestidae, although further taxonomic research may lead to this number changing in the future. Twenty-five members of the taxon live in Africa, and nine in Asia. According to the current subdivision of Herpestidae, ― using not only morphology, but also behavioural ecology and molecular markers ― two subfamilies are supported within the taxon. The subfamily Herpestinae involves 23, mostly large and solitary mongoose species (genus Atilax, Bdeogale, Cynictis, Galerella, Herpestes, Ichneumia, Paracynictis, Rhynchogale, Xenogale), while the subfamily Mungotinae comprises 11, mainly small and social species (genus Crossarchus, Dologale, Helogale, Liberiictis, Mungos, Suricata).
In the list below, you can see which species have been kept in mixed exhibits in captivity. Due to the similarities in morphology and lifestyle, an additional species, the narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata) is also mentioned here (recent placement of this taxon is: family Eupleridae, Madagascar Carnivores, subfamily Galidiinae, Mongoose-like Madagascar Carnivores).