Ichneumon

[Sarah]

Any carnivorous mammal of the genus Herpestes, and familyViverridæ. Numerous species are found in Asia and Africa. TheEgyptian species(H. ichneumon), which ranges to Spain and Palestine,is noted for destroying the eggs and young of the crocodile as wellas various snakes and lizards, and hence was considered sacred by theancient Egyptians. The common species of India (H. griseus), known asthe mongoose, has similar habits and is often domesticated. It isnoted for killing the cobra.