Regarding the reference to "only a single doubtful hieroglyphic (probably a
mongoose)."
 
How about: "only a single doubtful hieroglyphic (probably a ferret)."
 
What's the difference?
 
Here's a thought: What if the ancient Egyptians had a
religious/superstitious reason for not representing certain animals?  Are
there other animals that lived in that part of the world that are
mysteriously absent from the hieroglyphic record?
[Posted in FML issue 1677]