Herpestinae

/ˌhɜːpɛˈstaɪniː/ noun

Definition

A subfamily of carnivorous mammals that includes mongooses and related species.

Etymology

From Herpestes (the genus) plus -inae, the taxonomic suffix for subfamilies. This is the formal biological classification grouping mongooses and their close relatives.

Kelly Says

Mongooses are so good at hunting snakes that humans have introduced them to islands to control snake populations—but they also hunt native birds and lizards, causing ecological problems.

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