Dwarf Mongooses (Helogale parvula) are the smallest species of mongoose in southern Africa, and one of my favourite animals. They are carnivores, taking a range of invertebrates, small lizards and snakes, small birds and rodents, and are highly social, living in family groups of 2-30. We encountered a small family group on a dirt road in Kruger Park in the morning after heavy rain. Dwarf Mongooses are very curious – they dash for cover at the first sign of danger, but usually re-emerge after a minute or two to see what is going on and to go about their business. This pair of Dwarf Mongooses emerged from the wet grass close by and began grooming their own wet fur and each other. The larger, darker male then straddled the paler female and marked her back with his glands and then mated with her a couple of times. The grooming continued for a while longer before the female broke contact and moved off.