An African urban mesocarnivore: Navigating the urban matrix of Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Urbanisation is rapidly transforming natural habitats with the potential to benefit synanthropic species, especially mesocarnivore species. Knowledge of the spatio-temporal ecology of mongoose species in an urban matrix is limited. Consequently, we examined the home range and habitat use of water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus, n = 14) in an urban matrix landscape. Mongooses were collared and radio-tracked using Global Positioning System (GPS)-Ultra high frequency (UHF) transmitters between July 2018 and October 2019 in the Upper Highway area’s urban matrix, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Habitat selection for water mongoose indicated that the species avoided built-up urban areas favouring fragments of forest and bushland habitat types close to natural water sources within the urban mosaic. The adaptability and generalist nature of water mongoose has facilitated their persistence in the urban mosaic. Variability in the home range size and habitat use of individuals of the water mongooses highlights their ability to adapt to anthropogenically modified landscape, yet they were highly dependent on natural refugia in this urban matrix.