Ruddy Mongoose

The Ruddy Mongoose (Urva smithii) is a forest-dwelling species found in India and Sri Lanka, commonly seen in rainforests, dry forests, scrublands, and field edges. It has a large, slender body covered in greyish-brown fur, and a dark, tasseled tail tip that curves upward when it moves. The species was originally described in 1837 and is now classified under the genus Urva, with three subspecies—smithii, thysanurus, and zeylanius.

In terms of ecology, this mongoose is an adaptable hunter that searches for food during both day and night. Its diet includes snakes, birds, insects, rodents, and smaller reptiles. Although shy and mostly solitary, family groups with mothers and pups are occasionally observed. The species occupies dense forests, but also ventures into tea estates and paddy fields. When surprised by humans, it prefers to retreat quickly, but may show loud and aggressive defensive behaviour if escape routes are limited. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.