With a total length of 15inches (38cm) including a tail of 6 to 8inches (15 to 20 cm) and a weight of about 0.7lbs (300g), the dwarf mongoose is the smallest mongoose in the world and the smallest of African carnivores. The dwarf mongoose lives in areas of wooded savannahs and rocky areas where it can easily nestle in natural cavities. Thanks to its small size, it often inhabits old termite mounds. Its vivacity makes its observation relatively difficult, but with a little perseverance, it can be seen hunting insects in the ground, even a snake, or taking refuge in a mound.