Class Mammalia Linnaeus, 1758 - mammals
   Subclass Theria Parker & Haswell, 1897
     Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821 - carnivores
       Suborder Feliformia Kretzoi, 1945
         Family Herpestidae Bonaparte, 1845 - mongooses
           Genus Herpestes Illiger, 1811 - common mongooses
             Herpestes smithii Gray, 1837 - ruddy mongoose
               Herpestes smithii zeylanius Thomas, 1921