Are There Mongooses In The Caribbean? Exploring Wildlife In The Tropics

Mongooses are primarily found in Africa, with their habitat extending to southern Asia and southern Europe as well. It’s important to note that some mongoose species have been introduced to various islands across the world. For example, the Javan mongoose and the Indian gray mongoose have been intentionally introduced to several islands, including but not limited to Mafia Island and Mauritius (located off the coast of East Africa), Fiji, Hawaii, and islands in Croatia. This dispersal of mongoose species to islands has had ecological consequences and is a subject of interest in the study of invasive species. As of August 18, 2023, this information provides an overview of their geographic distribution.

The introduction of mongooses to the Caribbean was originally intended to address the issue of invasive rats in sugarcane plantations. These rats posed a significant threat to the sugarcane crop. The mongoose was brought in as a biological control agent, with the hope that it would help reduce the rat population and protect the valuable sugarcane plants. However, over time, it became evident that the mongoose had unintended consequences. It was soon recognized as a pest because of its habit of preying on poultry, native wildlife, and causing harm to livestock. Thus, the introduction of mongooses, while initially well-intentioned, led to ecological and agricultural challenges in the Caribbean.