The banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) is found in sub-Saharan Africa, where they enjoy a variety of habitats, including grasslands, bush, and wooded areas. They are semi-nomadic animals, inhabiting areas for only a short while before moving on but often returning to their favorite dens or shelters. Game hunting enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that they are listed by the IUCN as an animal of “least concern.”

Unlike many other mongooses, the banded mongoose is quite social, living in colonies of between 10-20 mongooses. They forage and hunt together, allowing them to attack and kill larger prey, such as snakes. Their diet is mainly carnivorous with items such as centipedes, snakes, small rodents, lizards, and insects on the menu, but they do supplement their diet at times with berries, fruit, and nuts.

Speaking of prey, the banded mongoose itself is prey to many predators, including jackals, wild dogs, hyenas, birds of prey, and snakes. Another predator is, of course, man, who targets them on game hunting safaris.

Both males and females have multiple mating partners. The gestation period for the banded mongoose is about 60 days, with the female giving birth to between 2-6 pups.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Mungos mungo

Male Weight:
3.3-5.5 pounds

Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa

Gestation Period:
60 days

Life span:
12 years

Size and Appearance

While on your game hunting adventure, you may come across this little mongoose, as they are truly a trophy of opportunity. Look for a solid animal, with a large head, small ears, and a nose that ranges in color from gray-brown to orange-red. It has short, muscular limbs with long claws for digging, and is about 12-17 inches long. Its fur is a shade of gray-brown, with a lighter underbelly. This particular mongoose has darker brown or black bands running down the fur across its back, with a long, furry tail.

Hunting Methods

Mongoose hunting in Africa is a hunting adventure on its own. It is fast-paced, and fun, and gets that adrenaline pumping as you focus on targeting your game hunting trophy before it disappears at the speed of light. They will usually be spotted while out driving searching for other game on your hunting safari. Once spotted, it is suggested to continue with a walk-and-stalk on foot, to ensure fair chase.

Challenges and Rewards

When hunting in Africa, spotting this beautiful creature is most likely going to be by chance, while looking for other prey. A chance encounter in the bush while you drive past may just end with you having an impressive – and different – game hunting trophy in your trophy room back home!

Rifles and Requirements

It is important to remember the size of the target when choosing your rifle for a mongoose hunting safari. The banded mongoose is one of the larger mongooses, weighing 3.3-5.5 pounds. A suggestion would be to target the banded mongoose using a shotgun with bird-hunting ammunition or a .22 rimfire rifle.