Overview

Herpestes pulverulentus – (Wagner, 1839)

ANIMALIA – CHORDATA – MAMMALIA – CARNIVORA – HERPESTIDAE – Herpestes – pulverulentus 

Common Names: Cape Grey Mongoose, Small Grey Mongoose (English), Klein Grysmuishond, Kaapse Grysmuishond (Afrikaans)

Synonyms: Galerella pulverulenta (Wagner, 1839) 

Taxonomic Note: 
Sometimes included in the genus Galerella (Meester et al. 1986; Wozencraft 2005; Veron et al. 2022). Cavallini (2013) recognised three subspecies: Herpestes pulverulentus pulverulentus (present in most of the range), H. p. basuticus (present at higher altitudes, from the east of Lesotho to the west of KwaZulu-Natal), and H. p. ruddi (in the extreme northwestern section of the distribution range). Lynch (1981) noted that character gradients are present in individuals from contiguous areas. 

Red List Status: LC – Least Concern, (IUCN version 3.1) 

Assessment Information

Assessors: Filonzi, J.¹, Adams, E.C.², da Silva, J.M.³ & Do Linh San, E.⁴

Reviewer: Power, R.J.⁵ 

Institutions: ¹University of Fort Hare, ²Endangered Wildlife Trust, ³South African National Biodiversity Institute, ⁴Sol Plaatje University, ⁵North West Province’s Directorate of Biodiversity Management 

 Previous Assessors & Reviewers: Do Linh San, E., Mbatyoti, K.V., Palmer, G., Stuart, C., Stuart, M., Avenant, N. & Cavallini, P. 

Previous Contributor: Relton, C. 

Assessment Rationale 

The Cape Grey Mongoose is listed as Least Concern because it is common and adaptable, with a catholic diet, there are no major threats, and it is present in several protected areas in its range. The distribution range appears not to have changed significantly since the last assessment. 

Regional population effects: The range is continuous and dispersal between regions occurs as this species is not constrained by fences. 

 Red List Index 

Red List Index: No change 

Recommended citation: Filonzi J, Adams EC, da Silva JM & Do Linh San E. 2025. A conservation assessment of Herpestes pulverulentus. In Patel T, Smith C, Roxburgh L, da Silva JM & Raimondo D, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Regional Distribution and occurrence

Geographic Range 

This species is endemic to southern Africa, ranging throughout the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State (Lynch 1983) and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, with a marginal intrusion into southern Namibia (Pallett & Thomson 2022), east to Lesotho and extreme western KwaZulu-Natal (Cavallini 2013). Persistence at the northern edge of distribution range the Northern Cape province has been confirmed in the Korannaberg mountain range stretching inside Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (Filonzi pers. obs. 2025). In 1990, an animal was trapped in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga, 200 km north of known records in KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho (Bronner 1990). It is present from sea level around the Western Cape to 1,900 m asl in KwaZulu-Natal (Cavallini 2013). Although there is a slight overlap in the distribution range of Cape Grey Mongoose and that of the closely related Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus), it is speculated that the otherwise disjoint distribution ranges are a result of competitive exclusion between these species (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). 

 Elevation / Depth / Depth Zones 

Elevation Lower Limit (in metres above sea level): 0 m 

Elevation Upper Limit (in metres above sea level): 1,900 m 

Depth Lower Limit (in metres below sea level): (Not specified) 

Depth Upper Limit (in metres below sea level): (Not specified) 

Depth Zone: (Not specified) 

 Map

Figure 1. Distribution records for Cape Grey Mongoose (Herpestes pulverulentus) within the assessment region (South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho). Note that distribution data is obtained from multiple sources and records have not all been individually verified.

Biogeographic Realms 

Biogeographic Realm: Afrotropical 

Occurrence 

 Countries of Occurrence 

 Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) Occurrence 

Large Marine Ecosystems: (Not specified) 

 FAO Area Occurrence 

FAO Marine Areas: (Not specified) 

Climate change

No recent research or literature has focused on how climate change might affect this species in the future. However, Fynbos regions, in which this species is dominant, have been shown to experience an increase in mean monthly temperatures, as well as an increase in cumulative monthly rainfall over a 48-year period (Slingsby et al. 2017).  This increase in temperature and rainfall affected the plant species diversity (Slingsby et al. 2017) and would in turn affect the small mammal communities on which the Cape Grey Mongoose depends. Otomys irroratus, a fynbos species and one of the main prey items of the Cape Grey Mongoose, has been modelled to experience a decline in their range as a result of climate change by 2050 (Taylor et al. 2016). Nama Karoo regions are also expected to experience changes, with an increase in rainfall observed over the past few decades (Harmse et al. 2020). This could facilitate the encroachment of the Savannah biome into the Nama Karoo (DEA 2016). With Cape Grey Mongoose observed in the Maloti-Drakensberg montane area recently, the area could be a refuge from the effects of climate change, as it has been observed to be for other mammals (Taylor et al. 2024). 

Population information

The Cape Grey Mongoose is common within its wide range in the assessment region. In 1990, densities of up to 10 individuals / km² have been recorded in suitable habitat (Cavallini & Nel 1990a). As such, given this species’ large distribution range and assuming a minimum average density of at least 0.1 individual / km², it was estimated that there were well over 10,000 mature individuals in the assessment region. In GFRNR, a density of 0.3 individual / km² was recorded considering only collared animals, thus total density is supposedly much higher (Filonzi, 2022). Therefore, considering the minor changes of the distribution range and the adaptability of the species, the estimate of well over 10,000 mature individuals in the assessment region is supposedly still valid. 

 Population Information 

Current population trend: Unknown, but probably stable based on lack of threats and wide habitat tolerance and extent of occurrence. 

Continuing decline in mature individuals? No 

Extreme fluctuations in the number of subpopulations: Unlikely due to the catholic diet and plentiful alternative food sources. 

Continuing decline in number of subpopulations: Unlikely based on recent records and distribution range. 

All individuals in one subpopulation: Unknown 

Number of mature individuals in population: Probably > 10,000. 

Number of mature individuals in largest subpopulation: Unknown 

Number of Subpopulations: Unknown 

Severely fragmented: No. Cape Grey Mongooses have a broad habitat tolerance and can exist in agricultural and rural landscapes. 

 Quantitative Analysis 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 3 generations or 10 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years: (Not specified) 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 5 generations or 20 years, whichever is longer, maximum 100 years: (Not specified) 

Probability of extinction in the wild within 100 years: (Not specified) 

Population genetics

To date no population genetic study has been undertaken on this species; however, it would be greatly informative to understand the evolutionary links, and hence validity, associated with the three proposed subspecies. It is possible that where the species is contiguous in range, genetic isolation by distance might be observed. Given that it is considered fairly common throughout its range in the assessment region, the species may be considered a single population of adequate effective population size to maintain adaptive potential (i.e., Ne > 500 based on an estimate size of 10,000 mature individuals; assuming a conversion ratio between 0.1 and 0.3). 

Habitats and ecology

Cape Grey Mongooses have a wide habitat tolerance, although they are essentially found in Karoo and karroid bushveld and sclerophyllous scrub (Cavallini 2013), as well as Fynbos, thicket and even afromontane scrub (Stuart & Stuart 2015). They are often associated with refuge areas, such as dense bushes and rocky outcrops, and avoid open fields with short vegetation, where they are vulnerable to predation by mesocarnivores (Caracal Caracal caracal, Black-backed Jackal Lupulella mesomelas, etc.; E. Do Linh San & M.J. Somers unpubl. data) and large birds of prey (Cavallini & Nel 1990a). They appear to avoid moist and wet high forests (Crawford et al. 1983). They are essentially terrestrial, but readily climb bushes and tree trunks, which they occasionally use to defecate (latrines) or rest during the day. In the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), Eastern Cape, some radio-tracked individuals used riverine forests as nocturnal shelter – sleeping in hollow Cape Bushwillow (Combretum caffrum) trees – and as foraging grounds during the day (E. Do Linh San & M.J. Somers unpubl. data). Cape Grey Mongooses otherwise use dense bushes or rock crevices to sleep during the night. They are not fossorial but may occasionally use burrows dug by other species. They are sometimes seen close to human settlements, foraging in gardens and on food scraps, and sleeping in attics (E. Do Linh San pers. obs. 2006; Cavallini 2013; Bernard et al. 2024).

The Cape Grey Mongoose is essentially a diurnal species, with timing of onset and end of activity generally correlated with sunrise and sunset (de Satgé et al. 2017). Longer activity periods and higher activity levels are recorded in summer, while activity is more restricted in winter (E. Do Linh San & M.J. Somers unpubl. data). Cape Grey Mongooses are also less active under rainy and cold weather conditions, which likely reduce prey activity and therefore availability. They have a catholic diet, though their primary food is generally small mammals –Rhabdomys spp., Otomys spp. and Grammomys spp. have been recorded as the most common prey species – and insects (du Toit 1980; Stuart 1981, 1991; MacDonald & Nel 1986; Cavallini & Nel 1990b; Avenant & Nel 1997; Stuart & Stuart 1998; Mbatyoti 2010), and they readily kill snakes (Branch & Hanekom 1987). They have also been reported feeding on larger mammals such as Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) and hares (Lepus spp.) (Cavallini 1992; Stuart & Stuart 1998), although this probably mostly takes place through scavenging, as directly observed with hares (E. Do Linh San pers. obs. 2007). This species does readily scavenge.

The Cape Grey Mongoose is regarded as a solitary species, but groups of two, three and up to five individuals have been observed (Stuart 1981, 1991). Groups often comprise one adult female and her offspring, sometimes with the presence of a second adult.

Male home range size in the West Coast National Park varied from 52 to 92 ha (Cavallini & Nel 1990a). Female home range size is likely smaller, as suggested by the case of one radio-tracked female who ranged over 31 ha. Juveniles may, however, move over much larger areas (Cavallini & Nel 1990a). In the GFRNR, the average home range size of males (83 ha) was significantly larger than that of females (40 ha) (Filonzi 2022). This difference in size is at least partly linked to sexual dimorphism, as trapped males were on average 20% heavier than females (Filonzi 2022). No seasonal difference in home range size was recorded (Filonzi 2022). Home range overlap has been observed in both males and females (Cavallini & Nel 1990a; Stuart 1991: Filonzi 2022). As reported in the Slender Mongoose (Waser et al. 1994), males exhibit some degree of tolerance or sociality, with two or three males of different sizes (and likely ages) ranging over a common area, although rarely sharing the same nocturnal resting site (Cavallini & Nel 1990a; E. Do Linh San & M.J. Somers unpubl. data).

The breeding season probably runs from June to December, as lactating females have been observed in August and from November to February (Stuart 1981; Lynch 1983). Litter size is 1–3 pups; it is unknown whether females can have two litters per breeding season. Pups are often reared in rock crevices, hollow trees, wood piles or farm outbuildings (Stuart 1981). Life expectancy in captivity is more than 11 years (Weigl 2005).

Ecosystem and cultural services: Like other small carnivores, the Cape Grey Mongoose may predate on pest species, such as rodents and insects (e.g. Cavallini & Nel 1990b; Mbatyoti 2010). This small carnivore is also an important scavenger within the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation subtype (Spies et al. 2018; Finaughty et al. 2024). The species scavenging behaviour has been important in elucidating a forensic application when examining decomposition of bodies (Spies et al. 2018; Finaughty et al. 2024). 

 IUCN Habitats Classification Scheme 

Life History 

Generation Length: (Not specified) 

Age at Maturity: Female or unspecified: (Not specified) 

Age at Maturity: Male: (Not specified) 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Female: (Not specified) 

Size at Maturity (in cms): Male: (Not specified) 

Longevity: More than 11 years in captivity 

Average Reproductive Age: (Not specified) 

Maximum Size (in cms): (Not specified) 

Size at Birth (in cms): (Not specified) 

Gestation Time: (Not specified) 

Reproductive Periodicity: June to December 

Average Annual Fecundity or Litter Size: 1–3 pups per litter 

Natural Mortality: (Not specified) 

Does the species lay eggs? No 

Does the species give birth to live young: Yes 

Does the species exhibit parthenogenesis: No 

Does the species have a free-living larval stage? No 

Does the species require water for breeding? No 

 Movement Patterns 

Movement Patterns: (Not specified) 

Congregatory: (Not specified) 

 Systems 

System: Terrestrial 

General Use and Trade Information

This species is mostly not known to be harvested or traded in any form. It may rarely be found in herbalist shops (Simelane & Kerley 1998), however there are no recent records of it.  

National Commercial Value: No 

International Commercial Value: No 

End Use: (Not specified) 

Is there harvest from captive/cultivated sources of this species? No 

Harvest Trend Comments: (Not specified) 

Threats

There are no major threats to this species. Like most small carnivores the Cape Grey Mongoose is occasionally victim of road traffic collisions. On farmland it might also be poisoned accidentally when it feeds on carcasses set out for damage-causing predators such as Black-backed Jackals or Caracals. Conflicts with farmers over poultry are rarely cited and the species is usually tolerated (Nieman et al. 2020). 

Conservation

This species occurs in numerous protected areas in its range, including the West Coast, Namaqua, Mokala, Mountain Zebra, and Greater Addo Elephant national parks, as well as the Great Fish River Nature Reserve. No specific conservation interventions are necessary at this stage.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners: 

• No specific management interventions have been identified. 

 Research priorities: 

• Monitoring subpopulations to detect trends across various land-uses. 
• General studies on the biology (notably reproductive aspects) and ecology of this species in different habitat types, i.e Grasslands, and afromontane habitats in the north and north-east of its range
• Re-assessing genetic structure in the species population 

 Encouraged citizen actions: 

• Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iNaturalist and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas. 

Bibliography

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