Any carnivorous mammal of the genus Herpestes, and
   family Viverridae. Numerous species are found in Asia and Africa. The
   Egyptian species(H. ichneumon), which ranges to Spain and Palestine, is
   noted for destroying the eggs and young of the crocodile as well as
   various snakes and lizards, and hence was considered sacred by the
   ancient Egyptians. The common species of India (H. griseus), known as
   the mongoose, has similar habits and is often domesticated. It is noted
   for killing the cobra.