Mongooses (Herpestidae) live in southern Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, as well in Puerto Rico and some Caribbean and Hawaiian islands, where they are an introduced species. There are 33 species, ranging from 1–4 feet (0.30–1.2 m) in length. Mongoose range in weight from the common dwarf mongoose, at 10 oz (280 g), to the cat-sized white-tailed mongoose, at 9 lb (4.1 kg). Some species lead predominantly solitary lives, seeking out food only for themselves, while others travel in groups, sharing food among group members. Mongooses mostly feed on insects, crabs, earthworms, lizards, snakes, chickens, and rodents. However, they also eat eggs and carrion. The Indian gray mongoose and others are well known for their ability to fight and kill venomous snakes, particularly cobras. They are adept at such tasks due to their agility, thick coat, and evolved acetylcholine receptors, which render them resistant or immune to snake venom.[8] They typically avoid the cobra and have no particular affinity for consuming its meat. Some species can learn simple tricks. They can be domesticated and are kept as pets to control vermin. However, they can be more destructive than desired: when imported into the West Indies to kill rats and snakes, they destroyed most of the small, ground-based fauna. For this reason, it is illegal to import most species of mongoose into the United States, Australia, and other countries. Mongooses were introduced to Hawaii in 1883, and have had a significant negative effect on native species.[ Examples : - mongoose - meerkat - kusimanse