MOOGOSE AND SNAKE VENOM

A mongoose is a small carnivoran member of 33[2] living species in southern Eurasia and mainland Africa of the family Herpestidae.[1] Four additional species from Madagascar in the subfamily Galidiinae, which were previously classified in this family, are also referred to as "mongooses" or "mongoose-like". Genetic evidence indicates the Galidiinae are more closely related to other Madagascar carnivorans in the family Eupleridae, which is the closest living group to the true mongooses.

The word "mongoose" is derived from the Marathi name mungus (मुंगूस) (pronounced as [muŋɡuːs]), perhaps ultimately from Dravidian (cf. Telugu mungeesa (ముంగిస), Kannada mungisi (ಮುಂಗಿಸಿ)). The form of the English name (since 1698) was altered to its "-goose" ending by folk-etymology.[3] It has no etymological connection with the word goose. The plural form is mongooses,[4] or, rarely, mongeese.[5] Historically, it has also been spelled "mungoose".[6]

Description
Yellow-mongoose

Mongooses live in southern Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, as well in Puerto Rico and some Caribbean and Hawaiian islands, where they are an introduced species.

There are 33 species, ranging from 24 to 58 cm (9.4 to 22.8 in) in length, excluding the tail.[7] Mongooses range in weight from the common dwarf mongoose, at 320 g (11 oz), to the cat-sized white-tailed mongoose, at 5 kg (11 lb).[7]

Some species lead predominantly solitary lives, seeking out food only for themselves, while others travel in groups, sharing food among group members.


Life history

In contrast to the arboreal, nocturnal viverrids, mongooses are more commonly terrestrial and many are active during the day.

The Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) is sometimes held as an example of a solitary mongoose, though it has been observed to work in groups.[9]
Diet
Brown Mongoose

Mongooses mostly feed on insects, crabs, earthworms, lizards, snakes, birds, and rodents. However, they also eat eggs and carrion.

The Indian gray mongoose and others are well known for their ability to fight and kill venomous snakes, particularly cobras. They are adept at such tasks due to their agility, thick coats, and acetylcholine receptors, which render them resistant or immune to snake venom.[10] However, they typically avoid the cobra and have no particular affinity for consuming its meat.[11]

Some species can learn simple tricks. They can be domesticated and are kept as pets to control vermin. However, they can be more destructive than desired; when imported into the West Indies to kill rats and snakes, they destroyed most of the small, ground-based fauna. For this reason, it is illegal to import most species of mongooses into the United States,[12] Australia, and other countries. Mongooses were introduced to Hawaii in 1883 and have had a significant negative effect on native species.[13]


More detail here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongoose

Nice info