Common dwarf mongoose. Distributed widely across African savannas and other areas, it forages during the day and rests in nests at night. Body length about 18–28 cm, body weight about 210–350 g, making it small among mongooses. Primarily eats invertebrates and small vertebrates, and lives in matriarchal social groups. Group size varies from 2 to 30 individuals and the hierarchy is strict; only the highest-ranking female and her mate reliably breed. Breeding season is October–April, gestation 49–56 days, and usually about three young are born. Conservation status: Least Concern.