Mongooses are small carnivores residing in different regions of Asia. The Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is one of the species mostly found in Iran. The skull gives the head of animal species' phylogenetic appearance and protects vital organs such as the brain and eyes. Our study aimed to enrich the current data pool by providing a morphological and morphometric description of the Indian grey mongoose's skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus. The present work was conducted on ten skulls and mandibles of the mongoose to describe the skull's anatomy and mandible grossly and radiographically. The radiographic characteristics of the Indian grey mongoose skull and mandible were demonstrated in lateral and dorsoventral projections. They were studied anatomically, and the measurements of morphometric characteristics were performed. Unpaired t-tests were used to investigate the sexual dimorphism regarding skull measurements between sexes. This study showed that the neuro-cranium area was extensive in the Indian grey mongoose skull, and the orbit was utterly bony. The presence of a two-part tympanic bulla and the absence of a distinct jugular process are also significant. In terms of the morphometric characteristics, there were significant differences between males and females, especially in the total length of the skull. Morphologically, the anatomy of the skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus is similar in male and female mongooses and follows the species' behavioural and nutritional characteristics. Some of these characteristics are different from other carnivores, especially dogs.
Keywords: head bones; mongoose; morphology; morphometry; radiology.
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