First record of the Small Indian Mongoose Urva auropunctatus (Hodgson 1836) from Syria

The Small Indian Mongoose Urva auropunctata (Hodgson 1836) is a small carnivore native to Iraq and South Asia; however, it has been widely introduced worldwide. The species has never been reported in Syria; however, it was suspected to occur in the extreme eastern parts of the country, but no confirmed records were made. In 2021-2022, several sightings were notified during in situ surveys in Deir ez-Zor Province in eastern Syria which confirm the first occurrence of the Small Indian Mongoose in the country.

Automated summary

The Small Indian Mongoose, originally from Iraq and South Asia, has been introduced worldwide and was recently spotted for the first time in Syria's Deir ez-Zor Province during in situ surveys in 2021-2022, confirming its presence in the country.