Thesmall Indian mongoose (U. auropunctata) was once considered to be asubspecies of the Javan mongoose.[11]Genetic analysis of hair and tissue samples from 18 Javan and small Indian mongooses revealed that they form twoclades and are distinct species. TheSalween River in Myanmar is probably a barrier between the two species.[12]Analysis ofmitochondrial DNA ofUrva species revealed that the Javan mongoose forms asister group with theIndian grey mongoose (U. edwardsii). The Javan mongoose probably evolved about0.5 million years ago in themiddle Miocene.[13]
In Europe, this species has been included since 2016 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern.[15] This means that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union.[16]
The Javan mongoose is mostly solitary; males sometimes form social groups and share burrows. Females are pregnant for up to 49 days and give birth to a litter of 2–5 young. Males can potentially becomesexually mature at the age of 4 months.[citation needed]
Javan mongooses eat mostly insects but are opportunistic feeders and will eat crabs, frogs, spiders,scorpions, snakes, smallmammals, birds, andeggs.[citation needed]
In Sumatra, the Javan mongoose is wild-caught for thepet trade. It was the most commonly offered species at wildlife markets inMedan during surveys between 1997 and 2001.[17] Despite being hunted heavily in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, it is commonly seen in suburban areas.[1]
^Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É. (1818)."De l'Ichneumon.Ichneumon pharaon". In Jomard, E. F. (ed.).Description de l'Égypte, ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'éxpédition de l'armée française. Vol. Tome II. Paris: l'Imprimerie Royale. pp. 137–144.
^Chutipong, W.; Tantipisanuh, N.; Ngoprasert, D.; Lynam, A. J.; Steinmetz, R.; Jenks, K.E.; Grassman Jr., L.I.; Tewes, M.; Kitamura, S.; Baker, M. C.; McShea, W.; Bhumpakphan, N.; Sukmasuang, R.; Gale, G. A.; Harich, F. K.; Treydte, A. C.; Cutter, P.; Cutter, P. B.; Suwanrat, S.; Siripattaranukul, K.; Hala-Bala Wildlife Research Station, Wildlife Research Division & Duckworth, J. W. (2014)."Current distribution and conservation status of small carnivores in Thailand: a baseline review".Small Carnivore Conservation.51:96–136.
