The ruddy mongoose (Urva smithii) is a mongoose species native to hill forests in India and Sri Lanka.

The ruddy mongoose's fur is brownish and coarse, long in hindquarters, but short in other parts of the body. Its head to body length is 40–45 cm (16–18 in) with a 36 cm (14 in) long tail. Males are larger and heavier than females with a weight of 2.2 kg (4.9 lb); females weigh about 1.2 kg (2.6 lb). Tail constitute about 75-90 % of body length. It is distinguished by the Indian grey mongoose by its slightly larger size and jet black-tipped tail.

The ruddy mongoose is mainly a forest-living animal and prefers more secluded areas. It has also been recorded in secluded paddy fields and in comparatively open fields.

Herpestes smithii was the scientific name proposed by John Edward Gray in 1837 for a zoological specimen in the collection of the British Museum Natural History. All Asian mongooses are now thought to belong in the genus Urva.

Subspecies:

• U. s. smithii

• U. s. thysanurus

• U. s. zeylanius

It usually carries its black tipped tail tip curved upward which is visible from a distance. Like other mongooses, it hunts by day and by night, and feeds on birds, rat snakes, land monitors, rodents and snails. Generally a solitary animal, rarely can be seen in pairs during mating season. However, mother and pup family groups consisting about five animals have been observed.

It is found in thick jungles, forest edges near paddy fields and tea estates. However, withdraw quickly in a crevice or underneath a rock shelf during human confrontation. When cornered, they fight fearlessly with loud and shrill cries.

Sri Lankan Ruddy Mongoose (Herpestes smithii zeylanius) Yala National Park Sri Lanka