The
small Indian mongoose (U. auropunctata) was once considered to be a
subspecies of the Javan mongoose.[11]
Genetic analysis of hair and tissue samples from 18 Javan and small Indian mongooses revealed that they form two
clades and are distinct species. The
Salween River in Myanmar is probably a barrier between the two species.[12]
Analysis of
mitochondrial DNA of Urva species revealed that the Javan mongoose forms a
sister group with the
Indian grey mongoose (U. edwardsii). The Javan mongoose probably evolved about 0.5 million years ago in the
middle Miocene.[13]
Characteristics
The Javan mongoose's fur is ferruginous to sepia and rich tawny brown on the back.[5][8] It has short hairs on the ears. Its tail is tapering.[5]
Distribution and habitat
The Javan mongoose is native to
Myanmar,
Thailand,
Cambodia,
Vietnam,
Laos, Peninsular
Malaysia and the Indonesian islands of
Sumatra and
Java, where it lives up to an elevation of 1,800 m (5,900 ft). Its presence is uncertain in China.[1]
In Thailand, the Javan mongoose was photographed by
camera traps in a variety of habitats, including degraded mixed
deciduous forest, dry
evergreen and dry
dipterocarp forests, as well as in abandoned plantations and
pineapple fields.[14]
Invasive species
In Europe, this species has been included since 2016 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern.[15] This means that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union.[16]
Behaviour and ecology
The Javan mongoose is mostly solitary; males sometimes form social groups and share burrows. Females are pregnant for up to 49 days and give birth to a litter of 2–5 young. Males can potentially become sexually mature at the age of 4 months.[citation needed]
Javan mongooses eat mostly insects but are opportunistic feeders and will eat crabs, frogs, spiders,
scorpions, snakes, small
mammals, birds and
eggs.[citation needed]
Threats
In Sumatra, the Javan mongoose is wild-caught for the
pet trade. It was the most commonly offered species at wildlife markets in
Medan during surveys between 1997 and 2001.[17] Despite being hunted heavily in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, it is commonly seen in suburban areas.[1]
^Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É. (1818).
"De l'Ichneumon. Ichneumon pharaon". In Jomard, E. F. (ed.). Description de l'Égypte, ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'éxpédition de l'armée française. Vol. Tome II. Paris: l'Imprimerie Royale. pp. 137–144.
^Chutipong, W.; Tantipisanuh, N.; Ngoprasert, D.; Lynam, A. J.; Steinmetz, R.; Jenks, K.E.; Grassman Jr., L.I.; Tewes, M.; Kitamura, S.; Baker, M. C.; McShea, W.; Bhumpakphan, N.; Sukmasuang, R.; Gale, G. A.; Harich, F. K.; Treydte, A. C.; Cutter, P.; Cutter, P. B.; Suwanrat, S.; Siripattaranukul, K.; Hala-Bala Wildlife Research Station, Wildlife Research Division & Duckworth, J. W. (2014).
"Current distribution and conservation status of small carnivores in Thailand: a baseline review". Small Carnivore Conservation. 51: 96–136.