First record of the small Indian mongoose <i>Urva auropunctata</i> from Kuwait

Abstract The small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata is an Asian small carnivore, ranging from eastern Syria eastwards through Iraq and Iran to India, and southern China; it has been widely introduced worldwide for biological control. The species has never been reported in the mammal fauna of Kuwait; however, it was anticipated to occur around wetlands in the northeastern parts of the country. In April 2024, a small Indian mongoose was recorded at Al-Jahra Pool Nature Reserve in eastern Kuwait which confirms the first occurrence of this species in the country.