The Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) has sometimes been treated as conspecific with H. javanicus, but recent phylogenetic work has supported its treatment as a distinct species (Veron et al. 2006; Patou et al. 2009; Gilchrist et al. 2009). This mongoose was widely introduced to islands in the Caribbean, Fiji, Japan, and elsewhere to control rodents and snakes. Unfortunately, it has been highly effective at eliminating native reptiles, birds, and mammals in many areas where it has been introduced. It is also a vector of rabies and other diseases. (Gilchrist et al. 2009)