[2] The scientific name Herpestes sanguineus was proposed by Eduard Rüppell in 1835 who described a reddish mongoose observed in the Kordofan region.

It doesn't seem to be territorial, but will nevertheless maintain stable home ranges that are often shared with members of related species.

Insects make up the bulk of its diet, but lizards, rodents, snakes, birds, amphibians, and the occasional fruit are eaten when available.

White browed-sparrow weavers, crimson breasted shrikes, and glossy starlings are considered common prey.

The common slender mongoose has been targeted by extermination efforts in the past, due to its potential to be a rabies vector and the fact that it sometimes kills domestic poultry.