Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Crab-eating mongoose

Herpestes urva, Brian Houghton Hodgson, 1836

(In Thai: พังพอนกินปู)

The crab-eating mongoose (Herpestes urva) is a mongoose species ranging from the northeastern Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia, southern China and Taiwan.

Characteristics

H. urva is generally grey in color, with a broad white stripe on its neck extending from its cheeks to its chest. Its throat is steel-gray with white ends of its hair, rendering a salt and pepper appearance. Its hind feet possess hairy soles. Its tail is short and homogeneously colored with a fairer tip. The body of the crab-eating mongoose is 36 - 52 cm in length, and 1 - 2.3 kg in weight.

Distribution and habitat

Crab-eating mongooses are common in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, northern Myanmar and northeastern India. They are rare in Bangladesh. In Nepal, this species inhabits subtropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, and has also been observed on agricultural land near human settlements.

Ecology and behaviour

Crab-eating mongooses are usually active in the mornings and evenings, and were observed in groups of up to four individuals. They are supposed to be good swimmers, and hunt along the banks of streams and close to water.

Despite their common name, their diet consists not only of crabs, but also just about anything else they can catch, including fish, snails, frogs, rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.

Conservation

Herpestes urva is listed in CITES Appendix III. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

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Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Herpestidae
Genus
Herpestes
Species
Herpestes urva

Common names

  • German: Krabbenmanguste
  • English: Crab-eating mongoose
  • Spanish: Mangosta cangrejera
  • French:
    • Mangouste crabière
    • Mangouste mangeuse de crabes
  • Italian: Mangusta cancrivora
  • Dutch: Krabbenetende mangoeste
  • Russian: Мангуст-крабоед
  • Swedish: Krabbmangust
  • Thai: พังพอนกินปู

Synonyms

  • Urva urva

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Photos

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Crab-eating mongoose - Khao Yai National Park
Herpestes urva area

Range Map

Distribution map of Crab-eating mongoose, Herpestes urva in Thailand
  • Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Sok National Park
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kui Buri National Park
  • Mae Nam Phachi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Pang Sida National Park
  • Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Ta Phraya National Park
  • Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
Range map of Herpestes urva in Thailand