Did you know that the dwarf mongoose is the smallest carnivore in Africa? Even so, these tiny creatures have big personalities. These mammals tend to be incredibly curious and sociable, quite similar to their meerkat relatives. Dwarf mongooses live in groups ranging from 8 to 30 individuals called a pack or troop. You will often find these energetic animals playing and grooming one another or searching for tasty insects to eat. With a length of 7 to 11 inches (18 to 28 centimeters) nose to tail, the dwarf mongoose is the smallest mongoose species. It has small ears, a pointed muzzle, a long, furry tail, and teeth adapted to its primarily insect-based diet. Their fur can vary in color, ranging from a reddish-buff to speckled brown.