Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2434286

Indian Grey Mongoose

Herpestes edwardsi

Also known as Asian Grey Mongoose, Common Indian Mongoose

Renowned for lightning-fast reflexes and bold battles with venomous snakes, Indian grey mongooses navigate open scrub, agricultural fields, and urban fringes with restless energy. Specialized mutations in their acetylcholine receptors render them naturally resistant to cobra venom, enabling them to tackle dangerous prey. These solitary, diurnal foragers spend daylight hours hunting small vertebrates, unearthing insect larvae, and scent-marking their territorial paths.

DiurnalAgileOpportunistic
Indian Grey Mongoose reference
Licensed referenceJ.M.Garg / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Spectacled Cobra
  • Field Mice
  • Garden Lizards
Predators
  • Leopard
  • Large Birds of Prey
  • Golden Jackal
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, rodenticide poisoning, illegal trade for paintbrush fur
HabitatsScrublands, open forests, cultivated fields, urban margins
Life span7–12 years in the wild; up to 14 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilyHerpestidae
  2. SpeciesHerpestes edwardsi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a sharp bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses strong jaws and sharp teeth that can inflict painful defensive wounds if trapped.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by coarse grizzled silvery-grey fur, long bushy tail, and low darting gait.
What to do
Do not attempt to catch, touch, or feed wild mongooses; back away if cornered.
Responsible observation
  • Keep Distance: Watch from a respectful distance as they dart along hedge lines or stone walls.
  • Avoid Cornering: Ensure animals have clear escape routes near burrows or rock crevices.
Related species
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