Population densities and habitat selection of the yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) under savanna conditions

The yellow mongoose population density was assessed by counting its dens. The study was conducted on the UNAM Ogongo campus. It is situated in the Cuvelai Drainage System, c. 50 km north-west of Oshakati, Outapi district, Omusati region, north-central Namibia (17º700 S, 15º310 E).The Cuvelai Drainage System is a unique ecosystem comprising a network of water canals (oshanas), mopane and acacia savannas. Four habitats were distinguished in the study area: pure acacia savanna (c. 380 ha); transformed acacia savanna mixed with human habitations, gardens, orchards, and arable fields (c. 200 ha); mopane savanna stocked with game (c. 1000 ha); and mopane savanna with livestock (c. 2000 ha). In total, 16 dens were identified in the pure acacia Savanna, 10 dens in transformed, but none in mopane savanna, neither in the one stocked with game, nor in the one with livestock. In the pure acacia savanna, the highest density was recorded at Combretum-dominated place, and none in Acacia nilotica dominated belt. Only two dens were located in the portion dominated by Mopane colophospermum. In general, the population density in the pure acacia savanna was assessed at 16.8–25.3 individuals per 100 ha, whereas in the human-modified acacia savanna at 20.5–30.0 ind./100 ha. The most important reason for the absence of the yellow mongoose in the mopane savanna is the soil type, not suitable for digging dens. Less important is the presence of oshanas flooded almost on a yearly basis, as the yellow mongoose often inhabit places close to water. Also, insects, especially termites, are common in mopane savanna, although population densities of small vertebrates are much lower here than in the acacia savanna. The land covered with the acacia savanna has a sandy soil, suitable for digging. Higher preferences for Combretum vegetation and outskirts of arable field can be explained probably by higher concentrations of small rodents (gerbils), which live there abundantly in burrow colonies. The overall population density of the yellow mongoose in pure acacia savanna at Ogongo was higher than in any other sites in southern Africa, where its density was assessed.