Swamp Ichneumon

Swamp Ichneumon

We are delighted that the Bonn-Tomburg Lions Club has taken over the sponsorship of the swamp ichneumon (Atilax paludinosus).

The Greek name "Ichneumon" comes from "to seek out" - and this is exactly what the animals, which belong to the mongoose family of predators (Herpestidae), do when they systematically comb through water and mud for food during their evening and night-time forays along watercourses, lakes and marshes. Crustaceans, mussels and snails are at the top of the omnivores' menu. This distinguishes them from all other mongoose species - among them, the "swamp mongoose" or "swamp echneumon" is the species best adapted to water.

They are widespread south of the Sahara from Senegal in the west of Africa to Ethiopia in the east and South Africa in the south of the continent. They inhabit rainforests, but also drier areas up to the savannah - wherever there are bodies of water nearby.