The Mongoose In Fiji

THE mongoose of India was introduced into Fiji originally to destroy rats, its natural prey, which infested the sugar plantations. In this it has been entirely successful, since rats to-day could not be called a serious pest in the cane areas, though some do exist in the townships.

This ferret-like animal has now over-run the whole of Viti Levu. It is very like the common rat, its enemy, with a prolonged body. It takes a tenacious hold of its prey, and the battle is of short duration—it invariably grips a vital spot at the back of the neck. It is a particularly deadly enemy of snakes—but on these islands to-day there is not a snake in existence. The question may be asked, if rats and snakes (which are its natural prey in India) have been exterminated, what is to be its food ?

It is becoming nothing short of a pest, as it has multiplied exceedingly, and has been forced to change its diet.

It is taking to vegetables, and the eggs of wild birds, and is even invading the domestic fowl-house. Being of the rat tribe, it has the agility of the rat in climbing trees, where it plays havoc with bird-nests, and is becoming responsible for the destruction of many of the Islands’ rare birds.

No organised attempt has yet been made to destroy the mongoose, but at the present rate of breeding it will become a menace to all forms of bird life.

Fiji has no animals, except those imported ; which, in view of the intense tropical vegetation on most parts of the island, seems contrary to the natural conditions prevailing in other parts of the world.

The mongoose is frequently attacked by dogs and killed. But occasionally it is the mongoose which is the victor, and, while a dog may not be killed, it is glad to slink away, after a severe mauling.

The mongoose is not often seen, as it is a timid animal. But at times it may be observed running across an open space in some sheltered glade in the bush, or across a main road. ... ===