You want to buy what?

A Stripe Necked Mongoose is miffed

“Why do you want to know if I have snake venom for sale? Oh wait, you think I’m Rodney, the dodgy jungle salesman don’t you? I am quite offended! First of all I am a Stripe Necked Mongoose, not a Ruddy Mongoose like Rodney. My kind look nothing like his. We have long fore-claws and our fur is dark brown or grey-yellow or sometimes even orange-yellow. We also don’t fancy humans very much. Noisy bunch, always jumping to conclusions, hint hint. So we keep away from them and stick to forest areas that are close to a water source.”

Fun Facts

“Why? Because of food and safety! If you find a good waterhole, there are plenty of frogs and crabs to be found in it, and nicely sized prey like mouse deer, black-naped hares, rodents, fowl and reptiles turn up for a drink. It’s like a constantly replenished buffet! The National Parks and Sanctuaries are the best places to live in. You know, some of my family can be found high up in the mountains too, they seem to like the cold weather there. I’m rambling on like we’re old friends. Right, you need to find Rodney. Go straight towards that hill, I saw some carrion there, Rodney is sure to be there snacking.”

Story of the Photo

This Stripe Necked Mongoose obligingly posed for some photographs when Dilum encountered him on a morning safari in Wilpattu National Park. Although quite shy around people, they can be spotted near the waterholes around the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu!