Mongooses Mind Others’ Manners

Two dwarf mongooses grooming. Shannon Wild.

Humans have more in common with dwarf mongooses than you might think. Both species are highly social, living in complex groups. Both species use a variety of vocalizations to communicate. Now, field experiments show that dwarf mongooses are also like us in not appreciating bullies.

According to a study, dwarf mongooses identify and remember which groupmates picked fights with others during the day and later give those individuals the “cold shoulder” by grooming them less before bedtime.

Read more at The Scientist: Dwarf Mongooses Shun Bullies to Manage Conflict: Study.