Active during the day, the Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose feeds mainly on insects, especially insect larvae, which it may dig up or excavate from rotting wood. During the rainy season, the diet is more varied, and includes small mammals, reptiles, birds' eggs, worms, snails, and other invertebrates (2) (3). To break open an egg or a snail shell, the Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose may lie on its side, grasping the object with all four feet, before throwing it until it breaks (3). Larger prey, such as small lemur species, may be hunted cooperatively (2). The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose lives both in the trees and on the ground, and may spend the night in tree holes during the summer or in burrows during the dry winter (2) (3). It is also a good swimmer (3). The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose is a social species, usually found in family groups of six to eight individuals, including adult males, adult females, juveniles and young (1) (2) (3). The group stays in contact using a series of short, repeated contact calls. During the winter, it may break up into smaller units, which include temporary pairs, maternal family groups, all-male groups, and solitary males (2) (3). If disputes arise, the bushy tail may be bristled and held erect as a threat (2). Breeding occurs between December and April, with the female giving birth to a single offspring after a gestation of 90 to 105 days. The young Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose is weaned at just two months old, but may remain with the female for up to two years (2) (3). The lifespan of this species is up to 12 years (8).

The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose is a small carnivore with dense, grizzled, brownish-grey fur and a bushy, brush-like tail. Eight to twelve narrow, reddish-brown to dark brown stripes run along the back and sides of the body, from the shoulders to the base of the tail, giving the species its common name (2) (3) (4) (5). The underparts are a paler beige colour (2) (3), and there may be orange tinges around the legs (5). The tail is similar in colour to the upper body, but may be more grey, and flecked with lighter and darker areas (2). The muzzle is fairly pointed and the ears are rounded and quite prominent. The legs are quite delicate, and the toes, which bear longish claws, are partially webbed and have hairless soles (2) (3) (4). Two subspecies of Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose are recognised, with Mungotictis decemlineata lineata being darker, with a paler tail and more pronounced stripes, than Mungotictis decemlineata decemlineata (2) (5). However, M. d. lineata has only been described from two specimens, and its status as a subspecies is difficult to confirm (5).

This species is endemic to the dry decidous forests of the central and southern Menabe regions of western Madagascar from sea level to about 125 m asl. It is found between the Tsiribihina River in the north to south of the Manombo River (Razafimanantsoa 2003; Goodman et al. 2005). The precise southern limits of the range of the nominate subspecies remain unclear (Woolaver et al. 2006), but it does not extend south of the large Mangoky river, a significant biogeographical boundary. M. d. lineata has recently been rediscovered south of this river (Goodman et al. 2005) and further research is necessary to clarify the species limits of the two forms

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).

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.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose has a rather restricted distribution in western Madagascar, being endemic to the seasonal dry forests of the central and southern Menabe regions (1) (2) (6). M. d. decemlineata is thought to occur from the Tsiribihina River in the north to the Mangoky River in the south, while M. d. lineata is believed to occur further south, with the only known specimens thought to have been collected south of Toliara and from Lac Tsimanampetsotsa (1) (2) (7).

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.

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.

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.

Range mass: 600 to 700 g.

Range length: 250 to 350 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

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.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest

M. d. decemlineata inhabits dry deciduous forest (1) (2) (7), while M. d. lineata is believed to occur in Didieraeceae and Euphorbiaceae thickets (2) (7), part of the Madagascan spiny forests of the south.

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.

Animal Foods: mammals; reptiles; eggs; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

Narrow-striped mongooses are predators of a wide variety of prey including bird eggs.

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

Known Predators:

• fossae (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Mungotictis decemlineata preys on:
Arthropoda
Insecta
Reptilia
Mammalia

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Mungotictis decemlineata is prey of:
Cryptoprocta ferox

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

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.

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.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; acoustic

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.

Observations: Not much is known about the longevity of these animals, but one wild born specimen was still alive in captivity when about 11.4 years of age (Richard Weigl 2005).

This species is monogamous. The mature males and females pair up in the summer for mating.

Mating System: monogamous

Breeding months are from December to April, with a peak in the summer months of February and March. The gestation period in this mongoose is between 90 and 105 days, with one young produced. Young weigh about 50 g at birth and are usually weaned in 2 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 years.

Breeding interval: Malgasy narrow-striped mongooses breed annually.

Breeding season: Breeding months are from December to April, peaking in February and March.

Average number of offspring: 1.

Range gestation period: 90 to 105 days.

Average weaning age: 2 months.

Average time to independence: 24 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); fertilization ; viviparous

Average birth mass: 50 g.

Average number of offspring: 1.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 742 days.

As mammals, M. decemlineata provide the young with milk, frooming, and protection. Nothing more is known about parental care in narrow-striped mongooses. Based on their monogamous breeding system, it is likely that both parents are involved in caring for young.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female)

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Justification

History

• 2000
  Endangered
• 1996
  Vulnerable
• 1994
  Vulnerable
  (Groombridge 1994)
• 1990
  Vulnerable
  (IUCN 1990)
• 1988
  Vulnerable
  (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1988)

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.

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

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose is under threat from habitat destruction and fragmentation, as forests are logged and cleared for agriculture (1) (3) (6) (7). Although not thought to suffer from high levels of direct human persecution (3) (7), there have been reports of hunting of the species for food in some areas (6). Predation by domestic and feral dogs is also a problem, particularly where logging has opened up the forest and brought increased levels of human disturbance (1) (6).

Conservation Actions

The Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose occurs in a few protected areas, including the Central Menabe provisional protected area, Kirindy Mitea National Park, Andranomena Special Reserve, and the privately-owned Analabe Reserve (1) (7). However, Andranomena Special Reserve consists entirely of degraded forest, and Kirindy Mitea is reported to be significantly affected by hunting (6). Suggested conservation measures to help protect the species include cooperative efforts with local communities to decrease the rate of forest destruction, as well as the establishment of further reserves. In particular, the status and distribution of M. d. lineata, and its relationship to M. d. decemlineata, needs further investigation (6) (7).

No information could be found on economic importance of narrow-striped mongooses.

No information could be found on economic importance of narrow-striped mongooses.