The water mongoose (Atilaz paludinosus) is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it inhabits freshwater wetlands. Also referred to as the marsh mongoose, it is listed with a status of “least concern” by the IUCN. This medium-sized mammal is likely to be seen by game hunting enthusiasts frequenting wetland areas such as marshes, rivers with slow-moving water, estuaries, or streams.

Water mongooses are highly territorial, crepuscular creatures that prefer to rest during the day and are most active from sunset to midnight. Although slow on land, they are excellent swimmers and can dive for up to 15 seconds at a time, enabling them to easily search for food underwater.

Water mongooses are omnivorous, with crabs, mussels, eggs, snails, frogs, and birds making up a large part of their diet.

Water mongooses are solitary and only come together to mate. The female will make a nest of dry grass within the burrow for the 2-3 pups born after a gestation of 69-80 days. The pups are fully weaned by two months.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Atilax paludinosus

Male Weight:
5.5-6.6 pounds

Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa

Gestation Period:
69-80 days

Life span:
17 years (in captivity)

Size and Appearance

When mongoose hunting in the wild, look out for a mongoose weighing 5.5-6.6 pounds, with a dark reddish-brown to black coat. It has a largish head, and small ears, with a short muzzle and whiskers. Its tail is long, with longer fur on its hind legs and tail. Its sturdy legs have strong, non-retractable claws used for digging. Although it does spend a great deal of its time in water, it does not have webbing between its toes.

Hunting Methods

Seen as a trophy of opportunity when game hunting in the wild, water mongooses are targeted once spotted, either from a vehicle or on foot with a walk-and-stalk.

Challenges and Rewards

When water mongoose hunting in Africa, it is important to remember that this mammal is an excellent swimmer, adding a new set of challenges as the hunter tries to target the water mongoose as it dives in and out of the water and disappears under the surface! The reward: An interesting and unusual specialty game hunting trophy to add to your collection.