'Banded Mongoose' | pen & ink

Banded mongooses begin their day at sunrise, emerging from shared dens — often old termite mounds — to warm themselves before setting off to forage. Moving as a close-knit mob, they dig and sniff through the bush for insects, eggs, fruit, and small prey, all while rotating sentinels that stand upright to watch for danger. Their days are filled with digging, grooming, and constant chatter, with pups learning from adult “escorts” who guide and protect them. As evening approaches, the group returns to the safety of the den, piling together to sleep. This artwork captures a mongoose on alert — a vital part of the teamwork that defines their social life.