Water Mongoose - Animals i would love to see

This is a very large mongoose that weighs up to 5.2kg and when walking holds its rump slightly higher than its shoulders. From the head to the base of the tail, these animals range from 44 to 62 cm (17 to 24 in), with the tail adding 25–36 cm (9.8–14.2 in).

The coarse shaggy hair is brown grey to almost black with a lighter nose. Their bodies are relatively short the tail is covered with long, shaggy hairs. Ears are depressed to the head. They have a large skull with a short muzzle.

 The large brain is associated with increased tactile sensitivity and muscular control of the forepaws. These characteristics enables this semi-aquatic mongoose to locate and eat crabs and other relatively hard-bodied prey. Their teeth are adapted to crush the hard outer shells of shell fish, rather than to shear. This is the only herpestid with unwebbed feet which splay on soft substrates. This trait results in a very distinctive spoor.

Atilax paludinosus is found throughout sub -Saharan Africa with a preference for permanent fresh water habitats bordered by dense vegetation, such as marshes, reed beds, and estuaries (though sightings have been recorded in hilly areas with little or no aquatic wildlife presence).The water mongoose is a good swimmer though in most cases it mostly wades in shallow water.

The marsh mongoose is an important member of the community of animals inhabiting the papyrus swamps where deoxygenated water limits aquatic life to various air-breathing fish, frogs, insect larvae, snails and mammals.

Females give birth to two young per litter and more than one litter can be produced per season. Young start taking food after one month, their eyes and ears open after 10 days. Little is known about their sexual behaviour, but it is known that they breed twice a year, once in the middle of the dry season and once in the rains.

The female prepares a nest of dry grass in a hole. If there are no holes available in swampy areas, the young are raised on a nest of reeds, grass, and sticks. Up to three young per litter have been recorded. Sometimes a second adult also accompanies the family. The young usually are weaned and depart from their birthplace in a few months.

The marsh mongoose is a voracious carnivore, consuming any form of meat it can catch, as well as a wide variety of fruit. This mongoose will frequently swim along river banks, its head above the water, patiently and methodically sifting through underwater holes and crevices looking for aquatic animals to eat. An intelligent creature, the marsh mongoose has been observed throwing crabs and snails against rocks in order to break open the shells.

The marsh mongoose is solitary, spending most active time at night, though activity has been observed during the day. An excellent swimmer, the marsh mongoose nonetheless prefers to keep its head above water, and frequently rests on patches of grass and floating vegetation. Regular in its habits, this mongoose follows smooth and well-defined paths near shorelines and other water bodies, frequently hidden by vegetation.

The territories of marsh mongooses are rigidly enforced, exclusive, and usually spaced along the waters around which they dwell. When threatened, the marsh mongoose emits a low growl, which may explode into loud, barking growling if it is further endangered. If cornered or otherwise seriously frightened, this mongoose may shoot streams of foul, brown fluid from its anal sacs. When excited, the marsh mongoose may make a high-pitched cry or an open-mouthed bleat.

In Kenya they are found in Masai Mara and Nairobi National parks