Description Helogale parvula (Sundevall, 1847)
English: Common Dwarf Mongoose, at Pairi Daiza, Brugelette, Belgium
Date 4 September 2010
Author Hans Hillewaert https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Biopics
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Helogale_parvula.jpg

The common dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula), sometimes just called the dwarf mongoose, is a small African carnivore belonging to the mongoose family (Herpestidae). The common dwarf mongoose is a typical mongoose: it has a large pointed head, small ears, a long tail, short limbs, and long claws. The species can be distinguished from other mongooses by its size. It is much smaller than most other species (18 to 28 cm, 210 to 350 grams); in fact, it is Africa's smallest carnivore. The soft fur is very variable in color, ranging from yellowish red to very dark brown. Order: Carnivora, Family: Herpestidae, Subfamily: Herpestinae, Genus: Helogale, Species: Helogale parvula Sundevall, 1847.