Indian

grey
mongoose
 Herpestes edwardsi
• The Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes
edwardsi) is a mongoose species
native to West Asia and on the Indian
subcontinent.
• In North Indian languages
(Hindi/Punjabi) it is called Nevlaa.
• The grey mongoose is commonly
found in open forests, scrublands and
cultivated fields, often close to human
habitation.
 Habits and Lifestyle
• Indian gray mongooses are
generally solitary and diurnal,
and are especially active during
the early mornings and early
evenings, searching for reptiles.
• They move with a quick trot,
constantly scanning an area for
food.
• Despite being good climbers,
they are rarely seen climbing
trees.
• They sleep in holes during the
 Mongoose and snake
• They are known for their skill in
fighting snakes, using special
techniques and adaptations.
• They engage the snake for about an
hour in battle, and then the snake
tires of striking, whereupon the
mongoose leaps at it and attempts
its first bite.
• The snake usually then loses, as it
cannot strike and retract quickly
enough to inject venom. 
 Relation with humans
• The Indian grey mongoose is often kept as a pet to keep
dwellings free from rats and other pests.
• The Indian grey mongoose is the state animal of
Chandigarh
• The species is protected in India, but an illegal trade in
hair for the purposes of making of paint brushes and
shaving brushes continues, and this is one of its most
significant threats.
• About 3000 mongoose were killed to produce 155 kg. of
raw mongoose hair, which were seized by Uttar Pradesh
Forest Department and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
(WCCB) in 2018.
Thank you