Jackson's Mongoose

This heavy, badger-like carnivore is one of the larger members of its family, weighing up to 3 kg. Jackson's Mongoose is identified by its thick, grizzled black and white fur, which is notably longer than that of its relatives. It has a blunt muzzle, rounded ears, and a bushy white tail. While its legs are black, its cheeks and the sides of its neck show a distinctive yellowish tint. It lacks the first digit on its feet, leaving it with four toes on each limb equipped with strong claws.

Native to East Africa, the species lives in the forests of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is found in lowland woods, bamboo, and high-altitude montane forests, reaching elevations of 3,300 m. These animals are most active during the night or at twilight. Although they are often solitary, they have been seen in pairs or groups of four. They likely hunt in the dense plants surrounding swamps, eating a varied diet of rodents, snails, lizards, and snakes eggs. They also consume many insects, including millipedes, caterpillars, and army ants.

Because these mongooses depend on forest environments, the primary threat to their survival is the continuing loss of their habitat. They appear to be rare and live in isolated populations, though they are present in several protected national parks. Because their numbers are thought to have dropped over the last decade due to the destruction of the woods they call home, experts have recommended the full protection of forests near existing parks.