72
Similar Species The Lesser Oriental Civet (Viverricula indica) was
introduced to the Yemeni island of Socotra, in the Gulf of Aden,
possibly in the 19th century. It looks similar to a large genet but it
is longer in the leg. The Small-spotted Genet does not occur on the
island, so there can be no confusion between the two species. The
Lesser Oriental Civet’s current status on Socotra is unknown, but it
was originally brought to the island for the extraction of its anal gland
secretion, a base for certain perfumes.
MONGOOSES
LARGE GREY MONGOOSE Herpestes ichneumon
Identification As its name implies, this is a large mongoose (total
length 1 m and more) with a long, grey-grizzled coat. The tail is
prominently black-tipped. The lower parts of the legs are black and
short-haired, but over much of the body and tail the hair is long. When
the animal is moving, the tail is held curved slightly upwards.
Size Shoulder height 20 cm.
Weight 2.5–4 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour Large Grey Mongooses avoid arid areas
and are usually associated with riverine vegetation and other water
bodies, although they will wander into adjacent drier habitats when
foraging. Rodents make up much of their diet, but they also eat snakes
(they will attack and eat even quite large snakes), lizards, amphibians,
invertebrates and wild fruits. They deposit their droppings at latrine
sites. Commonly seen during the day, they may be solitary or seen in
pairs and family parties. In Israel they often live in groups consisting
of an adult male, 2–3 females and their young. They frequently stand